Elijah Just’s brace gives New Zealand the lead on two occasions, but Iran responds each time as Group G ends Matchday 1 completely level.
Iran and New Zealand played out one of the most entertaining matches of the opening round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, drawing 2-2 in Los Angeles after a contest filled with momentum swings and attacking quality.
Elijah Just starred for the All Whites with a brace, but Iran twice fought back through Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi to secure a valuable point. The result leaves Group G perfectly balanced after Belgium and Egypt also drew 1-1 earlier in the day.
With every team on one point, the race for qualification remains completely open heading into Matchday 2.
The match began at a frenetic pace, with New Zealand stunning Iran just seven minutes after kickoff. Chris Wood led a quick attacking move and delivered a perfectly weighted pass for Just, who calmly finished to give the All Whites an early 1-0 advantage.
Iran responded positively and gradually began controlling possession. The pressure eventually paid off in the 32nd minute when veteran defender Rezaeian reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area, beating goalkeeper Max Crocombe to level the score.
The equalizer energized Team Melli, who finished the first half strongly and looked increasingly dangerous in attack through Mehdi Taremi and Mohammad Mohebbi.
However, New Zealand struck again shortly after halftime. Once more, the partnership between Wood and Just proved decisive. In the 55th minute, the Nottingham Forest striker delivered another excellent pass, allowing Just to complete his brace and restore the All Whites’ lead at 2-1.
The advantage lasted less than ten minutes.
Iran found its second equalizer in the 64th minute through a beautifully constructed move. Rezaeian turned provider this time, delivering a precise cross into the penalty area where Mohebbi rose highest and powered a header into the net.
The final twenty minutes belonged largely to Iran. Amir Ghalenoei’s side pushed forward in search of a winning goal, creating several dangerous situations and forcing New Zealand deeper into its own half.
Despite the pressure, the All Whites defended bravely and held on for a point that keeps them firmly in contention. While New Zealand remains without a victory in World Cup history after seven matches, the performance offered plenty of encouragement.
For Iran, the draw extends hope of finally reaching the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history.
After Matchday 1, Iran, New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt are all tied on one point in a remarkably balanced Group G.
Match Report: Iran 2-2 New Zealand
Goals: 7′ Just (NZL), 32′ Rezaeian (IRN), 55′ Just (NZL), 64′ Mohebbi (IRN)
Iran (4-4-2): Beiranvand; Mohammadi, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Rezaeian; Mohebbi, Ghoddos (65′ Hajisafi), Ezatolahi, Yousefi (46′ Ghayedi); Taremi (80′ Hosseinzadeh), Moghanloo (53′ Alipour).
Head Coach: Amir Ghalenoei
New Zealand (4-2-3-1): Crocombe; Payne (78′ Elliot), Boxall, Surman, Cacace (68′ Old); Stamenić (90+2′ Bindon), Bell; Just, Singh (90+2′ Randall), McCowatt (68′ Thomas); Wood.
Head Coach: Darren Bazeley
Referee: César Arturo Ramos Palazuelos (Mexico)
Yellow Cards: Not available
Red Cards: None
Venue: Los Angeles Stadium, California – FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G
