Iran twice fought back from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in an entertaining Group G encounter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday.
Forward Elijah Just was the star for New Zealand, scoring both goals as the All Whites came close to securing a historic victory. However, Iran responded on each occasion through Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi to claim a valuable point at Los Angeles Stadium.
The match unfolded against a backdrop of heightened security and political demonstrations outside the venue, with hundreds of protesters gathering before kickoff. Inside the stadium, a crowd of more than 70,000 created a vibrant atmosphere as supporters backed both sides.
New Zealand made the brighter start and took the lead when Just volleyed home from close range after being set up by captain Chris Wood.
Iran responded in the 31st minute through Rezaeian, who reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area and finished calmly to bring his side level before halftime.
The All Whites regained the advantage early in the second half when Wood again turned provider, threading a precise pass to Just, who fired home his second goal of the match.
Iran once again found an answer ten minutes later. Rezaeian delivered an excellent cross into the box, and Mohebbi powered a header in off the far post to make it 2-2.
Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but neither could find the decisive breakthrough as the points were shared.
The result leaves Group G wide open, with all four teams level on one point following Belgium’s 1-1 draw against Egypt earlier in the day.
Iran will face Belgium in their next group match, while New Zealand take on Egypt as both sides continue their pursuit of a place in the knockout rounds.
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