In a dramatic development at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United States government has reportedly deported a key Iranian player ahead of Iran's crucial Group G match against Belgium. The player in question is defender Mohammad Mohebi, who was sent back to Iran following his controversial goal celebration during the team's opening match against New Zealand.
Iran's Draw Against New Zealand
The Iranian national team, known as the Persian Lions, earned a hard-fought 2-2 draw against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 16. The All Whites took an early lead in the seventh minute through Elijah Just, who plays for Nottingham Forest. Iran equalized in the 32nd minute through Ramin Rezaeian, but Just scored his second goal of the match in the 55th minute to put New Zealand back in front. However, Mohammad Mohebi, the Esteghlal defender, struck in the 64th minute to secure a valuable point for Iran in their tournament opener.
US Deportation of Mohebi
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reportedly deported Mohammad Mohebi ahead of Iran's crucial match against Belgium. According to the UK Mirror, the DHS took action following his now-infamous goal celebration during Iran's dramatic 2-2 draw against New Zealand. The decision sent shockwaves throughout the tournament and immediately became one of the most talked-about stories of the competition.
Controversial Celebration
Mohebi appeared to make a gun gesture celebration, sparking immediate backlash across social media and drawing fierce criticism from fans. The 27-year-old has reacted after allegedly imitating shooting a gun with his hands after scoring the equalizer. He insisted that the celebration came to his mind while thanking the Iranian fans for their support. Mohebi said: "First, I wanted to say thank you to all the Iranian fans that came to watch in Los Angeles. They made a great atmosphere in the game. The celebration was just coming in the mind, in the moment. I do it like this [gestures with his hands] and I wanted to do it like this for all the fans. It's just a celebration you know, and that's it."
Reactions from Teammates
Meanwhile, Ramin Rezaeian said the players are at the World Cup to play football and not to answer political questions. "It's something political (his goal celebration). I don't want to talk about that. We are here to answer football questions. If there is a problem between us (the Iranian people), it is between us." The Iranian national team has alleged that it was forced to leave the United States immediately after its 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against New Zealand.
Iran's World Cup Campaign
Iran currently sits in second position in Group G after their draw with New Zealand. They will take on Belgium in their second World Cup match on Sunday, June 21. The deportation of Mohebi is a significant blow to the team's defensive options as they prepare for a tough match against one of the tournament favorites.
FIFA Ban on Russia
In related news, Legit.ng earlier reported that the only country that is banned from the World Cup in 2026 is Russia, as the country was suspended for their invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Since the suspension, they cannot take part in competitive football but have played friendlies.
