Iran and New Zealand draw 2-2 in World Cup opener
8 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 9:42 AM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
Iran and New Zealand played to a 2-2 draw in their World Cup opener on June 16, at Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles. Iran equalized two times after trailing in the match, first through Ramin Rezaeian in the 32nd minute and Mohammad Mohebbi in the 64th minute. New Zealand initially took the lead with a goal from Elijah Just in the 7th minute and then regained the lead with his second goal in the 54th minute. The match was marked by a politically charged atmosphere, with protests surrounding Iran’s participation in the tournament. Both teams now sit on one point in Group G, alongside Belgium and Egypt, following Belgium’s 1-1 draw with Egypt earlier.
- •Iran scored twice to level after initially trailing New Zealand.
- •Elijah Just scored both goals for New Zealand in the match.
- •The match occurred amid a politically charged atmosphere for Iran.
- •Both teams are level on points with Belgium and Egypt in Group G.
- •Attendance at the match was reported to be 70,108.
- 9:42 AMYahoo Sports — Iran, New Zealand cap historic day of World Cup draws with dramatic fourth
- 4:43 AMAl Jazeera English — Iran draw 2-2 with New Zealand in politically charged World Cup match - Al Jazeera
- 4:24 AMESPN — After tense buildup, Iran draw with NZ in opener
- 3:56 AMYahoo Sports — Iran and New Zealand share points in thrilling 2-2 draw
- 3:08 AMYahoo Sports — Iran begin fraught World Cup with 2-2 New Zealand draw
"Iran and New Zealand shared the points in a thrilling 2-2 draw in their World Cup opener on Monday, in a match that was at first overshadowed by political debate. World Cup debutant Elijah Just gave New Zealand an early lead in the seventh minute after being served by captain Chris Wood.
"Iran twice battled back for a 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday in their frenetic opening match of a World Cup campaign that has been utterly overshadowed by war, politics and protests.Meanwhile, New Zealand's wait for a first World Cup win goes on. amz/rcw
"Iran opened its politically charged World Cup with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand on Monday night, overcoming two deficits and getting the tying goal from Mohammad Mohebbi in the 64th minute.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 9:42 AMIran, New Zealand cap historic day of World Cup draws with dramatic fourth
New Zealand led twice on goals by Elijah Just seeking its first-ever World Cup win, but Iran rode the energy of the LA diaspora crowd to fight back, 2-2.
- Al Jazeera EnglishJun 16, 2026, 4:43 AMIran draw 2-2 with New Zealand in politically charged World Cup match - Al Jazeera
Elijah Just scored both of New Zealand’s goals in either half; Rezaeian and Mohebbi levelled for Iran in Group G game.
- ESPNJun 16, 2026, 4:24 AMAfter tense buildup, Iran draw with NZ in opener
Iran opened its politically charged World Cup with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand on Monday night, overcoming two deficits and getting the tying goal from Mohammad Mohebbi in the 64th minute.
- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 3:56 AMIran and New Zealand share points in thrilling 2-2 draw
Iran and New Zealand shared the points in a thrilling 2-2 draw in their World Cup opener on Monday, in a match that was at first overshadowed by political debate. World Cup debutant Elijah Just gave New Zealand an early lead in the seventh minute after being served by captain Chris Wood.
- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 3:08 AMIran begin fraught World Cup with 2-2 New Zealand draw
Iran twice battled back for a 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday in their frenetic opening match of a World Cup campaign that has been utterly overshadowed by war, politics and protests.Meanwhile, New Zealand's wait for a first World Cup win goes on. amz/rcw
- Sky Sports—Iran fight back twice to rescue thrilling draw against New Zealand
Iran put their turbulent build-up to the World Cup behind them as they fought back twice to secure a 2-2 draw with New Zeland in what was the game of the tournament so far.
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