Iran faced New Zealand in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup on June 16 in Los Angeles, ending in a 2-2 draw. Fans celebrated in both Tehran and Los Angeles despite the tension surrounding the game and symbolic expressions by the Iranian team [1, 2].
After the match, misleading images circulated online claiming an Iranian player carried a pink school backpack in tribute to 168 Iranian schoolgirls reportedly killed in Minab during the US-Iran conflict. However, these images were AI-generated fabrications with no basis in reality [2]. Similarly, photos showing the Iranian squad with purple backpacks were resurfaced from an earlier friendly match against Nigeria in Turkey. The team used the purple backpacks as a remembrance gesture during the national anthem before the World Cup began; these images were unrelated to the recent tournament [2].
Iranian forward Mohamed Mohebi’s goal celebration sparked online controversy when some misinterpreted his hand gesture as a threatening gun sign. Mohebi denied any political intent, calling it “a spontaneous celebration,” and FIFA has not announced any investigation into the matter [2].
Regarding the Minab incident, the U.S. military has not acknowledged responsibility for any strike that killed the schoolgirls, casting further doubt on viral claims used to politicize the match [2].
The next World Cup fixtures for Iran are yet to be scheduled, as the team prepares for upcoming group stage matches following their opening draw in Los Angeles.
