Iran Draws 2-2 Against New Zealand in World Cup Opener

Iran (ranked 20th in the world), currently competing in the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup under a "one-night stay" visa restriction in the United States, managed to secure a draw against New Zealand (85th) following a header from Mohammad Mohebi, despite trailing twice in the match.

Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their Group G opening match of the World Cup, held at Los Angeles Stadium in California, USA, on June 16 (KST).

With this result, Iran and New Zealand each earned one point. While they are tied in points with Belgium and Egypt, who also drew 1-1 earlier, Iran and New Zealand currently sit at the top of the group based on total goals scored.

This marks Iran's seventh appearance in the World Cup finals, though their journey to the tournament was filled with complications.

Following the outbreak of war between Iran and the host nation, the United States, on February 28, Iran requested that their three group stage matches be held outside of the U.S. However, FIFA did not accept this request, causing significant disruption to their tournament preparations.

During the tournament, the team has moved its training base from Arizona, USA, to Tijuana, Mexico. They follow a schedule of entering the U.S. the day before each match and returning to Mexico immediately after the game.

With Iran's draw today, the undefeated streak for Asian Football Confederation (AFC) member nations in the opening matches of the North and Central America World Cup continues.

On the other hand, New Zealand, which holds the lowest FIFA ranking among the participating nations, returned to the World Cup stage for the first time in 16 years since the 2010 South Africa tournament.

New Zealand, which was expected to be the underdog, secured a valuable point thanks to the performance of striker Chris Wood and Elijah Just, who scored two goals.

Iran took control from the early stages of the first half but was caught off guard by a swift counterattack from New Zealand.

In the 7th minute, New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe launched a long goal kick that Chris Wood controlled with his chest. Wood then exchanged passes with Elijah Just to continue the attack, and after receiving a pass from Wood in front of the goal, Just found the back of the net with a right-footed shot.

Iran restored balance after the hydration break.

In the 32nd minute, Ramin Rezaeian cut inside from the right flank and passed the ball to Saman Ghoddos, who immediately played it into the penalty area.

After Shahriyar Moghanlou's shot was blocked, the loose ball fell to Rezaeian, who calmly tapped it in with the outside of his right foot.

New Zealand took the lead again in the second half.

In the 9th minute of the second half, New Zealand intercepted the ball, and Liberato Cacace, Sarpreet Singh, and Wood orchestrated an attack. Just received a pass from Wood and scored his second goal with a right-footed one-touch shot.

With this goal, Just became the first New Zealand player to score multiple goals in a single World Cup match, while Wood led the attack by assisting both of Just's goals.

Iran leveled the score again in the 19th minute of the second half.

Rezaeian controlled a cross-field pass from Ghoddos and delivered an accurate cross in front of the goal, which an unmarked Mohebi finished with a header.

Iran continued to press until stoppage time in the second half, but long-range shots and a header in front of the goal by Saeid Ezatolahi failed to find the target, and they were unable to complete a comeback.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.