Iran’s first World Cup match was overshadowed by the rapid spread of false information online, transforming the sporting event into a political controversy. Misleading claims circulated alleging political statements made by Iranian players. One widely shared image falsely depicted a player carrying a backpack as a tribute to victims of a past conflict. Another incident involved forward Mohamed Mohebi’s goal celebration, which was misinterpreted by many online as a threatening gesture resembling a firearm. These instances fueled online narratives and added to the already heightened political tensions surrounding Iran’s participation in the tournament. The spread of these inaccuracies highlights the potential for disinformation to impact major international events and distort perceptions. Authorities have not yet commented on the source or intent of the misleading content.