Iran Ceases to Draw against New Zealand in World Cup Group Opener

Iran NOC; Tehran: Backed by nearly 65,000 Iranian fans, Team Melli twice came from behind to secure a point. Iran’s national team began its 2026 World Cup campaign with a 2–2 draw against New Zealand in front of a strong Iranian crowd at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. New Zealand struck early when Elijah Just opened the scoring in the 7th minute after a quick attacking move involving Chris Wood and Sarpreet Singh. Iran responded with sustained pressure, creating several chances, including a long‑range effort from Mehdi Taremi that struck the post.

Iran eventually equalized in the 32nd minute as Ramin Rezaeian finished a well-worked attacking sequence to level the match before halftime. The second half continued at a high tempo. New Zealand regained the lead in the 54th minute, with Just scoring his second goal following a swift counterattack and a precise finish past Alireza Beiranvand.

Iran pushed forward in search of another equalizer and found it in the 62nd minute. A cross from Rezaeian was met by Mohammad Mohebi, whose header found the net to make it 2–2. Despite further attacking efforts from both sides, neither team managed to find a decisive goal, leaving the points shared in the opening Group G encounter. Iran will face Belgium in its second group match on June 21.