Iran Battle Back Twice to Draw 2–2 with New Zealand in World Cup Opener

Iran twice came from behind to secure a hard-fought 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their opening Group G match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday at the Los Angeles Stadium.

The encounter, played under a heavy cloud of political tension and off-field controversy, saw Iran rescue a point in a match that remained fiercely contested from start to finish.

New Zealand, the lowest-ranked team in the group, stunned Team Melli early when striker Elijah Just capitalised on a well-orchestrated counterattack involving veteran forward Chris Wood. Collecting a long pass in the seventh minute, Wood held up play before setting Just through, who calmly finished to give the Kiwis an early lead.

Iran, however, responded with increasing pressure. Mehdi Taremi went close in the 23rd minute when his long-range effort struck the post, while New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe survived a major scare after being dispossessed outside his area.

The equaliser arrived in the 32nd minute through Ramin Rezaeian, who reacted quickest to a rebound following a blocked attempt inside the box. The defender calmly slotted home to restore parity.

New Zealand regained the lead shortly after the restart when Just completed his brace in the 55th minute, finishing off a sharp one-two with Wood following a midfield turnover.

But Iran refused to go down without a fight. Mohammad Mohebi levelled the score again in the 64th minute with a powerful header from Rezaeian’s precise cross, leaving the match finely poised.

Despite sustained pressure in the final stages, Iran were unable to find a winner, as New Zealand held firm with disciplined defending.

Off the pitch, the match was overshadowed by political protests and heightened tensions linked to Iran’s international situation. Demonstrations took place outside the stadium, while inside, sections of the crowd expressed divided reactions during the national anthem.

The result leaves both sides with work to do in the group, as Iran miss the chance to claim an opening victory while New Zealand continue their search for a first-ever World Cup win.