Iran draws 2-2 with New Zealand in World Cup thriller

In their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Iran held New Zealand to a 2-2 draw on Tuesday. The Group G encounter, played at Los Angeles Stadium, California State, saw the Iranians coming from behind twice. Elijah Just gave the All Whites the lead with a low, drilled finish as early as in the seventh minute. However, Iran's Ramin Rezaeian broke through the defensive line and calmly finished with equalizer in minute 32. Just scored a tie-breaker in minute 54, but Iran's Mohammad Mohebbi responded with equalizer ten minutes later, thus denying New Zealand their first World Cup win again. New Zealand's bid for a victory depends on their next Group G assignment against Egypt on June 21, while Iran will face Belgium. All four sides are locked on one point apiece after their first Matchday.