Iran and New Zealand put on a goal show in Los Angeles

Iran and New Zealand served up an exciting 2-2 draw at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles in their Group G opener. New Zealand surprised with their attacking approach, taking the lead twice through Elijah Just (7', 54'), but Iran showed character to level on both occasions through Ramin Rezaeian (33') and Mohammad Mohebbi (64').

New Zealand's opener was a fine team move — Chris Wood held the ball up brilliantly before teeing up Just to finish neatly under the bar. Iran responded well and equalised through veteran defender Rezaeian, who scored at his second consecutive World Cup. The Kiwis struck again early in the second half through the same combination — Wood again finding Just — but Iran hit back once more, with Mohebbi heading home from Rezaeian's cross, the ball deflecting in off the post.

Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages, with Taremi going close for Iran and Wood heading tamely at the keeper in added time. The result leaves Group G — which also features Belgium and Egypt, who drew 1-1 the night before — wide open heading into the second round.

Goals: Just 7', Rezaeian 33', Just 54', Mohebbi 64'

World Cup

2026

• #
  Team
  P
  Pts
• #
  Team
  P
  Pts
• 1

  

  New Zealand

  1

  1
  1

  

  New Zealand

  1

  1
• 2

  

  Iran

  1

  1
  2

  

  Iran

  1

  1
• 3

  

  Belgium

  1

  1
  3

  

  Belgium

  1

  1
• 4

  

  Egypt

  1

  1
  4

  

  Egypt

  1

  1

Play-offs

Possible play-offs