Iran Vs New Zealand FIFA World Cup 2026 Results: Thrilling 2-2 Draw In Group G Opener

Iran twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G opener at Los Angeles Stadium, turning a difficult start into a hard-earned point. Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand, but Iran responded through Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi in a match that stayed open until the final whistle.

The result leaves both sides with something to build on, though New Zealand may feel they missed a rare chance to begin the tournament with a statement win. Chris Wood was central to both of their goals, using his hold-up play and composure to bring Just into dangerous positions. Iran, however, showed enough experience and width to recover from setbacks in both halves.

Iran recover after early New Zealand blow

New Zealand made the first decisive move after just seven minutes. Wood controlled a forward pass with strength and awareness before releasing Just, who finished sharply to give the All Whites a 1-0 lead. The goal came against the early rhythm of play, with Iran having started on the front foot and trying to stretch New Zealand through the flanks.

The early strike unsettled Iran. New Zealand pressed with confidence after taking the lead, and Wood nearly added another when he found space inside the box. Sarpreet Singh also tested Iran’s defensive structure with an effort from distance as New Zealand looked to turn a bright start into a commanding advantage.

Iran gradually regained their shape after the opening 20 minutes. Their midfield began to control longer spells of possession, while Rezaeian became increasingly influential on the right side. New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe was put under pressure around the half-hour mark when a poor clearance allowed Iran to attack quickly, though the chance was not converted.

The equaliser arrived in the 32nd minute after Iran forced another moment of uncertainty inside the New Zealand penalty area. Shahriar Moghanlou was involved in the build-up before a deflected effort fell loose. Rezaeian reacted quickest and nudged the ball past Crocombe to bring Iran level at 1-1.

Iran thought they had completed a first-half turnaround in stoppage time when a header from a free-kick found the net. The effort was ruled out for offside, leaving both teams level at half-time. It was a fair reflection of a half in which New Zealand were sharper early, but Iran responded with greater control and patience.

Elijah Just brace keeps New Zealand ahead

New Zealand struck again soon after the restart. In the 47th minute, they won the ball in midfield and moved forward with purpose. Wood combined neatly with Just, who finished clinically for his second goal of the game. It was a composed move and underlined New Zealand’s threat when they could transition quickly through central areas.

Just’s second goal gave New Zealand another surge of belief. Iran pushed higher in response, but the All Whites looked dangerous whenever Wood was able to receive the ball with runners around him. His experience gave New Zealand an outlet and helped them slow Iran’s pressure when the match became stretched.

Iran did not allow the second setback to define their night. Rezaeian again became their main route forward, delivering from the right and forcing New Zealand’s defence into repeated aerial duels. The pressure eventually told in the 64th minute, when his accurate cross found Mohebi, who powered a header into the net to make it 2-2.

The second equaliser changed the tone of the final half-hour. Iran looked the more structured side in possession, while New Zealand remained a threat through Wood and the energetic Just. Both teams had periods of momentum, but neither could find the final pass or finish needed to take control of the group opener.