Iran Fight Back Twice to Earn 2-2 Draw Against New Zealand

Iran overcame a difficult start and twice came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their opening Group G match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

Iran's participation in the World Cup hosted by the United States had been surrounded by uncertainty for months amid political tensions, diplomatic disputes and repeated calls for a boycott. However, the Asian side finally took to the field and marked the occasion with a hard-fought point.

New Zealand made a flying start and took the lead in the seventh minute. Chris Wood set up Elijah Just, who calmly finished to put the Oceania representatives ahead.

Iran, who initially struggled to find their rhythm, gradually settled into the match and found an equaliser in the 32nd minute. Ramin Rezaeian etched his name into the history books by scoring Iran’s first goal of the tournament after being set up by Mohammad Mohebi.

The opening half produced entertaining football from both sides and ended with the teams locked at 1-1.

New Zealand regained the lead shortly after the restart. Just struck again in the 55th minute, completing his brace and restoring his side’s advantage at 2-1.

Iran responded almost immediately. Mohammad Mohebi, who had earlier provided an assist, headed home a superb equaliser to bring his team back into the contest and make it 2-2.

Both teams continued to push for a winner in an open and competitive encounter, but neither side was able to find the decisive breakthrough.

The match ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw, with Iran showing resilience by recovering from deficits on two occasions to claim a valuable point in their World Cup opener.

MMR