Iran Draws with New Zealand in the World Cup

The Iranian and New Zealand teams opened their journey in the 2026 World Cup with an exciting 2-2 draw, in the match that brought them together early Tuesday morning at SoFi Stadium in California, as part of the first round of Group G.

The match started with a clear Iranian advantage in terms of possession and building attacks, but the course of the game changed early in the 7th minute when New Zealand surprised with a goal against the run of play, as Elijah put the ball in the Iranian net to announce the lead.

Iran did not give up, as they intensified their pressure and control after conceding the goal, and after repeated attempts, Ramin Rezaeian succeeded in equalizing the score in the 32nd minute.

Moments before the end of the first half, specifically in the 50th minute of stoppage time, Iran scored the second goal through Ali Naemati, but the joy did not last long when referee Cesar Ramos decided to cancel the goal due to an offside, ending the first half with a positive draw.

With the start of the second half, the excitement continued, Elijah Just struck again and scored his second personal goal and New Zealand's second in the 55th minute, restoring the lead for his team once more.

But the Iranian response came quickly and harshly after just nine minutes, specifically at the 64th minute, when Mohammad Mohebi equalized with a precise header that shook New Zealand's net, granting Iran a valuable point.

With this draw, each team earned one point, New Zealand tops Group G while Iran came in second, with Belgium third and Egypt fourth, all with one point each.