2026 World Cup, Chaos in Iran: Insults and Threats Against a Soccer Player

The Iranian national team’s situation at the World Cup is rather delicate: due to the conflict between the U.S. and Iran, Amir Ghalenoei’s squad has faced several challenges in recent weeks, and for some time there was even talk that Team Melli might not participate in the tournament.

Fortunately, everything worked out for the best, and the team was welcomed into the United States as usual (with the exception of a few members of the delegation who were denied visas), but the controversy has not subsided. Iranian soccer player Mohammad Mohebi added fuel to the fire.

In Team Melli’s opening match against New Zealand, Mohebi scored a goal and performed a two-part celebration. The first was borrowed from the NBA—the famous “ice in my veins” gesture, which simulates an injection into the arm—and then he mimicked a movement that many interpreted as firing a gun at the fans in attendance.

Immediately after the match, the Rostov player was quick to clarify: “It was a spontaneous gesture that came to me in that precise moment. Just a celebration, nothing more,” but by then it was too late. On social media, countless U.S. fans hurled insults and threats at Mohebi, and some even suggested booing him every time he touched the ball in future matches.

Following the 2-2 draw against New Zealand, Iran will face Belgium on Sunday at 9 p.m. Italian time, then on Saturday the 27th, they’ll take on Momo Salah’s Egypt at 5 a.m. Italian time.