The Iranian team debuted in the World Cup 2026 with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, in an intense and balanced match from start to finish. The Iranian team showed character by coming back twice to score their first point in the tournament.
The match began with a surprise, as the New Zealand team struck early thanks to their winger Elijah Just, who opened the scoring in the 7th minute. Iran reacted with order and patience until they found the tie through Ramin Rezaeian, who defined precisely and celebrated in a particular way, by covering his face.
In the second half, New Zealand took the lead again when Just scored his double in the 54th minute and established himself as the main offensive figure of his team. However, once again Iran responded quickly. At minute 64, Mohebi scored the final 2-2 with a key score that kept his team’s aspirations alive.
However, Mohebi’s goal was not without controversy. His celebration, in which he simulated a gesture related to a weapon, generated various interpretations among fans and captured some of the attention after the game. The footballer pointed two fingers at his arm; then he extended two fingers of his right hand and moved them in the air.
At the end of the match, the Iranian scorer clarified the meaning of his celebration. “I wanted to thank all the Iranians living in Los Angeles. They create a fantastic atmosphere. I came up with the celebration and I make these gestures for all the fans; “It’s just a celebration,” he said.
Beyond the result, the context of the Iranian team has been complex. The team arrived at the World Cup amid logistical and political difficulties, which forced the team to establish its base of operations in Tijuana, Mexico. In addition, he faced immigration restrictions that complicated the arrival of part of his delegation.
Don’t fuck around. In any case, Iran’s second goal was with American-style celebration: TO THE SHOTS, PUM PUM PUM.
It is a more than usual celebration in football. The rest is susceptibility. pic.twitter.com/UIoQSVGOwt
— Sebastián Álvarez Albanell (@sebaalvareza) June 16, 2026
With this tie, both teams have one point in the group and are forced to seek victory in the next round if they aspire to advance to the next stage. Iran will continue its involvement against Belgium on June 21, again in Los Angeles. They will then close the group stage against Egypt on June 27 in Seattle.
The Iranian team made it clear in its debut that, despite adversity, it has the ability to compete at the highest level and fight until the last minute in the biggest event in world football.