IR Iran vs New Zealand

Iran and New Zealand shared a pulsating point in their 2026 World Cup Group G opener, finishing 2-2 in Los Angeles. Elijah Just's brace for the All Whites wasn't enough as Iran twice came from behind to deny their opponents a first-ever World Cup win. Just opened the scoring in the 7th minute after a clever lay-off from Chris Wood, before Ramin Rezaeian scrambled home a rebound to level for Iran on 32. Just restored New Zealand's lead on 54 minutes, but Mohammad Mohebi fired in the equalizer on 64, with Rezaeian again the creator. Iran also had a goal disallowed for offside just before halftime, adding to the drama. The draw, combined with Belgium and Egypt's 1-1 result on the same matchday, leaves all four Group G sides level on one point. For New Zealand, who have never advanced past the group stage, the late slip will sting; Iran, meanwhile, will take real heart from their resilience.