Iran forward Mohammad Mohebi has reportedly been deported from the United States after his controversial goal celebration during Iran’s dramatic 2-2 draw against New Zealand national football team at SoFi Stadium.
Mohebi scored Iran’s second goal in the Group G clash, but his celebration quickly overshadowed the thrilling contest. The 27-year-old appeared to mimic firing a gun, a gesture that sparked outrage on social media and drew criticism from fans and commentators, with some even calling for him to be banned from the remainder of the tournament.
Reports circulating online claim that US authorities responded by deporting the Iranian international. However, there has been no official confirmation from either the United States government, FIFA or the Iranian Football Federation regarding the alleged deportation.
The incident has become one of the biggest controversies of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far, coming amid heightened political tensions surrounding Iran’s participation in the tournament. Mohebi later downplayed the gesture, insisting it was a spontaneous celebration intended for the fans and carried no political message.
Iran twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against New Zealand, with Mohebi’s second-half header salvaging a point in an entertaining encounter that has since been overshadowed by the fallout from his celebration.
