Iran twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in an entertaining Group G encounter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles, denying the Kiwis their first-ever World Cup victory.
New Zealand made a dream start to the match through Motherwell forward Elijah Just. The striker opened the scoring after Chris Wood held up the ball brilliantly before laying it into his path, allowing Just to thunder a half-volley past the Iranian goalkeeper.
The Kiwis continued to impress in the opening stages, but their momentum faded after the first hydration break midway through the first half. Iran took advantage and found an equaliser when Ramin Rezaeian reacted quickly to flick the ball beyond Max Crocombe.
Before drawing level, Iran had gone close through star forward Mehdi Taremi, whose powerful long-range effort crashed against the post. The Asian side also had a goal ruled out for offside as they pushed for a breakthrough.
New Zealand struggled to regain control at the start of the second half but restored their lead through Just, who struck again after combining brilliantly with Wood. The forward calmly lifted the ball over goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand to make it 2-1.
Iran responded once more and found a second equaliser when Mohammad Mohebbi met a precise cross from Rezaeian and guided a header in off the inside of the post.
Both sides continued to search for a winner in an open contest, but neither could find the decisive goal as the points were shared.
The result leaves Group G finely balanced, with all four teams on one point after Belgium and Egypt also played out a 1-1 draw in the group’s other opening fixture.
