Iran came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their World Cup opener.
Iran showed resilience to recover from behind on two occasions and secure a thrilling 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their opening Group G match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, denying the All Whites what would have been their first-ever victory on football’s biggest stage.
Despite entering the tournament as one of the outsiders, New Zealand made a dream start in Los Angeles by taking the lead inside the opening seven minutes.
Chris Wood expertly controlled a long ball before combining with Sarpreet Singh, who released Elijah Just. After exchanging another quick pass with Wood, the forward brilliantly flicked the ball up and volleyed an unstoppable effort beyond Alireza Beiranvand.
Iran responded positively and almost found an equaliser midway through the first half through Mehdi Taremi. The experienced striker surged forward from the halfway line before unleashing a powerful strike from distance that crashed against the post with goalkeeper Max Crocombe beaten.
Nothing to separate the teams in Group G and Group H. ⚖️#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 16, 2026
The pressure eventually paid off in the 32nd minute. After Shahriyar Moghanlou’s effort was blocked inside the area, Ramin Rezaeian reacted quickest to poke home the rebound and bring Iran level.
The equaliser ensured New Zealand’s defensive struggles at World Cups continued, having now failed to keep a clean sheet in six of their last seven tournament matches.
Iran thought they had completed the turnaround deep into first-half stoppage time when Ali Nemati headed home from a free-kick delivery, but celebrations were cut short as the assistant referee raised his flag for offside.
Amir Ghalenoei’s side carried that momentum into the second half and created several early opportunities, but New Zealand once again struck against the run of play. In the 54th minute, Elijah Just combined brilliantly with Chris Wood for a second time before driving into the area and firing beyond Beiranvand to restore the All Whites’ advantage.
It ends in a draw. 🟰#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 16, 2026
However, Iran refused to go away. Having scored all of their previous eight World Cup goals in the second half before this match, they once again found a way back. Ten minutes after falling behind, Mohammad Mohebi rose unmarked inside the penalty area to head home a pinpoint cross from Rezaeian and level the contest at 2-2.
Neither side could find a winner in a pulsating finale, leaving New Zealand frustrated after surrendering the lead twice. The draw means the All Whites remain without a World Cup victory after seven matches, while Iran will take confidence from their fighting spirit ahead of a difficult Group G clash against Belgium as they continue their quest to reach the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.
