Iran and New Zealand finish World Cup opener in 2-2 draw
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 3:35 AM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
Iran and New Zealand played to a 2-2 draw in their World Cup opener on June 15 in Inglewood, California. Iran twice came back from behind, with goals from Mohammad Mohebbi and Ramin Rezaeian equalizing after New Zealand's Eli Just scored twice. The match was significant given the controversy surrounding Iran's participation amid geopolitical tensions. Supporters embraced both teams as emotions surged throughout the game, encapsulating the players' struggles beyond the pitch.
- •Iran's goals came from Mohammad Mohebbi and Ramin Rezaeian.
- •Eli Just scored both goals for New Zealand.
- •The match took place in Inglewood, California.
- •Iran's participation was overshadowed by political controversy.
- •The draw marks Iran's ongoing quest for a World Cup win.
- 3:35 AMYahoo Sports — Iran finally finds joy at the World Cup. On the field | Opinion
- 3:19 AMThe Guardian Sport — Iran twice come from behind to claim draw in World Cup opener with New Zealand
"What, really, were the emotions flowing through the veins of Iran’s players as they took the pitch in Los Angeles? A few hours earlier Donald Trump, in France before the G7 summit, said a peace deal had been signed. A penny for the thoughts, too, of the Fifa president up in the VIP seats, Gianni Infantino, who in effect admitted he was powerless to prevent Iran from the chaos that has overshadowed their participation. Finally, then, for 101 minutes against New Zealand at least, Iran’s players were able to focus on the football, just as their head coach, Amir Ghalenoei, vowed they would. Goals from Mohammad Mohebbi and Ramin Rezaeian cancelled out a smart Eli Just double. The cue of a partisan crowd provided the kind of joy Iran captain Mehdi Taremi conceded had been missing in recent months. Continue reading...
"Iran salvaged a 2-2 draw with New Zealand after falling behind twice after being at the center of a global controversy.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 3:35 AMIran finally finds joy at the World Cup. On the field | Opinion
Iran salvaged a 2-2 draw with New Zealand after falling behind twice after being at the center of a global controversy.
- The Guardian SportJun 16, 2026, 3:19 AMIran twice come from behind to claim draw in World Cup opener with New Zealand
What, really, were the emotions flowing through the veins of Iran’s players as they took the pitch in Los Angeles? A few hours earlier Donald Trump, in France before the G7 summit, said a peace deal had been signed. A penny for the thoughts, too, of the Fifa president up in the VIP seats, Gianni Infantino, who in effect admitted he was powerless to prevent Iran from the chaos that has overshadowed their participation. Finally, then, for 101 minutes against New Zealand at least, Iran’s players were able to focus on the football, just as their head coach, Amir Ghalenoei, vowed they would. Goals from Mohammad Mohebbi and Ramin Rezaeian cancelled out a smart Eli Just double. The cue of a partisan crowd provided the kind of joy Iran captain Mehdi Taremi conceded had been missing in recent months. Continue reading...
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