Darwin Nunez endured a nightmare performance as FIFA security took action during Iran's match at the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday. Follow the latest action as Iran, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde, and Belgium all feature, with more matches to come.
Iran vs New Zealand: Controversy and Protests
Iran's goalscorer Mohammad Mohebi found himself at the centre of a social media storm during Iran's 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their World Cup opener. Viewers accused him of making a provocative "gun gesture" while celebrating his equalising goal, heaping yet more controversy onto the team's politically charged tournament campaign. Whether the gesture was intended to mimic a firearm, however, remains uncertain.
Iran twice fought back from a losing position to claim a point against New Zealand, the lowest-ranked side in the tournament. The fixture was further overshadowed by protests before kick-off and audible jeering during Iran's national anthem.
A video circulating on social media showed FIFA security officials confiscating pre-revolutionary Iranian flags, which display a golden lion at the centre rather than the red Islamic emblem. Prior to the match, FIFA outlawed the flag, citing its political nature as a breach of their regulations banning flags and clothing of a political persuasion.
FIFA VAR Controversy
FIFA confirmed that Australian video assistant referee (VAR) Shaun Evans will face no disciplinary action after he was accused of making a white supremacist 'OK' hand gesture on camera before the Germany vs Curacao match. Evans strongly denied the accusations, explaining the movement was an "involuntary, subconscious twitch" while holding a pen, and a FIFA investigation concluded there was no evidence of a rules breach.
Tunisia Appoint Herve Renard
Tunisia appear set to appoint Herve Renard, despite removing their confirmation that Sabri Lamouchi had been dismissed, with the side taking swift action following their opening defeat to Sweden at the World Cup.
Saudi Arabia's Shock Draw
Saudi Arabia secured yet another World Cup shock, holding Uruguay to a draw, with the Middle Eastern side putting in a commendable display before Maxi Araujo struck an equaliser. However, they may have fallen foul of a new FIFA rule. Boss Georgis Donis called over a player to deliver tactical instructions while goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais received treatment, in direct contradiction of referees' chief Pierluigi Collina's pre-tournament directive.
The match also saw Darwin Nunez substituted at the break. The striker was withdrawn by Marcelo Bielsa after completing just three passes in a display that will do little to boost his transfer prospects.
Group Standings
Group H's sides now all sit on one point after the opening round of fixtures. Spain were held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde. Iran and New Zealand's draw left Group G equally deadlocked. Egypt and Belgium also shared the spoils in their opening encounter.
Mohamed Salah appeared far from pleased to be taken off during that match. Egypt boss Hossam Hassan stood by his decision, saying: "We do not rely on a single player but on a collective 26. Salah, Marmoush, they give it their all, they were really, really giving everything with their ferocious transitions."
Japan Star Injured
Japan star Takefusa Kubo was taken to hospital on Monday for scans after sustaining a knee injury against Holland. While he did not attend a local hospital in Texas, he was assessed following his return flight to Nashville with the Samurai Blue. A Japan official confirmed they are still awaiting the results, and despite Kubo being seen moving around the team's base, serious concerns remain that his tournament could already be over.
