FIFA WC 2026: Iran twice battle back to hold New Zealand 2-2 in Group G
Synopsis
New Zealand twice led but could not hold on — Iran's Ramin Rezaeian scored and then set up Mohammad Mohebbi's equaliser to earn a 2-2 draw in Los Angeles. The All Whites' wait for a first-ever World Cup win goes on, and with Egypt and Belgium still to come, Group G is wide open.
Key Takeaways
Iran and New Zealand drew 2-2 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G opener at Los Angeles Stadium on 16 June .
Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand, with both goals assisted by Chris Wood .
Ramin Rezaeian scored Iran's first equaliser and assisted Mohammad Mohebbi's header for the second.
Iran twice came from behind, with Mehdi Taremi's shot hitting the post before the water break.
New Zealand next face Egypt on 22 June ; Iran take on Belgium in their next Group G fixture.
The match was the fourth consecutive draw of the day, with Cabo Verde also holding Spain earlier.
Iran denied New Zealand a historic first FIFA World Cup victory on 16 June, twice coming from behind to claim a 2-2 draw in a pulsating Group G opener at Los Angeles Stadium. The result leaves both sides level on one point as the group stage gets underway.
Key Developments
Elijah Just was the standout performer for the All Whites, netting a brace with both goals assisted by Chris Wood. Just opened the scoring with a low, powerful finish before adding a clipped second-half effort over the advancing Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. Wood also went close to creating a third, threading a pass to Sarpreet Singh whose shot drew an uneasy save from Beiranvand.
Iran's Comeback Story
Ramin Rezaeian was the architect of Iran's recovery, scoring Team Melli's equaliser and then crafting their second leveller. His first contribution saw him burst through New Zealand's defensive line and finish calmly with the outside of his boot past goalkeeper Max Crocombe to make it 1-1. He then turned provider in the second half, delivering a precise cross for Mohammad Mohebbi, who powered a header into the net off the post to restore parity at 2-2.
Notably, Mehdi Taremi had threatened even earlier — his 20-yard shot struck the post just before the first water break. The pause appeared to galvanise Iran, who returned with renewed energy and quickly found their equaliser.
Late Drama and Stoppage Time
Neither side could find a winner in the closing stages. In stoppage time, Wood had a golden chance to seal New Zealand's maiden World Cup win but headed the ball straight at the goalkeeper. The All Whites were left to rue their inability to hold onto their two separate leads.
This result was the fourth consecutive draw on the day — a day that had opened with Cabo Verde holding Spain to a stalemate, underlining the competitive levelling that has defined the early stages of the 2026 tournament.
What's Next for Both Teams
New Zealand's pursuit of a first World Cup win continues when they face Egypt on 22 June. Iran, meanwhile, turn their attention to a Group G clash against Belgium. Both matches will be critical in determining who advances from a group that has already shown it will not yield easy results.
Point of View
A point against a physically direct New Zealand side is a reasonable platform; for New Zealand, it is a missed opportunity that the remaining schedule against Egypt and Belgium may not forgive.
NationPress
13 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of the Iran vs New Zealand FIFA World Cup 2026 match?
Iran and New Zealand drew 2-2 in their Group G opener at Los Angeles Stadium on 16 June 2026. Iran came from behind twice to deny New Zealand a historic first World Cup win.
Who scored for New Zealand against Iran?
Elijah Just scored both goals for New Zealand, with Chris Wood providing the assist for each. Just's first was a low, powerful finish and his second was a clipped effort over the goalkeeper.
Who scored for Iran against New Zealand?
Ramin Rezaeian scored Iran's first equaliser, finishing calmly with the outside of his boot. Mohammad Mohebbi headed in the second equaliser from a Rezaeian cross.
When do New Zealand and Iran play their next World Cup 2026 matches?
New Zealand face Egypt on 22 June in their next Group G fixture. Iran take on Belgium in their next match. Both games will be decisive in shaping the group standings.
Why is this result significant for New Zealand?
New Zealand have never won a FIFA World Cup match, and this draw extends that wait. Having led twice, the All Whites came the closest they have to ending that record before Iran's second-half equaliser denied them.
