Iran fought back twice to earn a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in an entertaining FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G opener at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood.
The four-goal contest saw New Zealand twice take the lead through Elijah Just before Iran responded with goals from Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi to salvage a point.
New Zealand Strike Early
The Oceania representatives made a dream start when Elijah Just opened the scoring in the seventh minute. Chris Wood provided the assist, with Just finishing confidently to silence the Iranian supporters.
Despite falling behind, Iran gradually grew into the game, controlling possession and pushing New Zealand deeper into their own half.
Their pressure eventually paid off in the 32nd minute when veteran full-back Ramin Rezaeian found the equaliser, ensuring the teams headed into halftime level at 1-1.
Just Restores the Lead
The second half began with renewed intensity, and New Zealand struck again in the 55th minute.
Chris Wood turned provider for the second time, setting up Elijah Just for his second goal of the match as the All Whites regained a 2-1 advantage.
The goal rewarded another clinical attacking move and briefly put New Zealand on course for a famous World Cup victory.
Iran Respond Immediately
Iran responded in impressive fashion just nine minutes later.
Ramin Rezaeian, already on the scoresheet, delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area where Mohammad Mohebi rose highest to head home the equaliser in the 64th minute.
Both teams searched for a winner during the closing stages, but disciplined defending and missed opportunities meant the points were ultimately shared.
Match Stats
The game was evenly contested throughout.
- Shots: Iran 17, New Zealand 13
- Shots on Target: Iran 4, New Zealand 8
- Possession: Iran 47%, New Zealand 53%
- Passes: Iran 391, New Zealand 423
- Pass Accuracy: Iran 79%, New Zealand 86%
- Corners: Iran 4, New Zealand 1
While Iran created more attempts, New Zealand proved more efficient in front of goal, forcing eight shots on target.
Group G Standings
After the opening round of matches, all four teams in Group G sit on one point following two draws.
- New Zealand – 1 point
- Iran – 1 point
- Belgium – 1 point
- Egypt – 1 point
With every team level, qualification for the knockout stage remains completely open heading into Matchday Two.
Goals
- 7′ Elijah Just (New Zealand) – 0-1
- 32′ Ramin Rezaeian (Iran) – 1-1
- 55′ Elijah Just (New Zealand) – 1-2
- 64′ Mohammad Mohebi (Iran) – 2-2
The result gives both nations a valuable point to begin their World Cup campaigns, while leaving Group G finely poised ahead of the next round of fixtures.
