Sport: Soccer Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

New Zealand and Iran draw 2-2 in World Cup opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 5:42 AM

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

New Zealand and Iran draw 2-2 in World Cup opener

Summary

New Zealand and Iran finished 2-2 in their Group G opener at SoFi Stadium on June 16. Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand, but Iran rallied to equalize both times through Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi. The match took place amid a politically charged backdrop, with protests occurring outside the stadium. The draw leaves both teams with one point, alongside Belgium and Egypt, who also drew earlier in the day.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand in the match.
•Iran equalized twice, with goals from Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi.
•The match was played at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
•Both teams now have one point in Group G standings.

Latest Updates

5:42 AMYahoo Sports — New Zealand v Iran: Just Scores Twice but Iran Fight Back to Deny All Whites Historic Win

What they're saying

"
Just’s Dream Double Not Enough as Iran Rally Twice in Politically Charged Opener Iran twice came from behind to deny New Zealand a first World Cup victory, drawing 2-2 in a thrilling Group G opener played against an extraordinary political backdrop in Los Angeles. Elijah Just scored early in each half for the All Whites,…
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Soccer