Iran and New Zealand played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in Group G at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
The All Whites took the lead just twice before Iran hit back both times to ensure all four teams in Group G ended the day with a point each, following Belgium’s draw against Egypt earlier.
Elijah Just found the net twice for New Zealand, while Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi scored for Iran.
Both of New Zealand’s goals were the result of silky team moves, with star striker Chris Wood setting up both of Just’s attacks.
Rezaeian blamed Iran’s counterpunch. He found the first goal with a sticky finish and then set up his side’s second equalizer with an accurate cross for Mohebi to head the ball home.
Player Ratings
Iran
Beiranvand (5.8), Rezaeian (8.8), Khalilzadeh (6.4), Nemati (6.7), Mohammadi (5.9), Mohebi (8.2), Ghoddos (7.2), Ezatolahi (6.9), Yousefi (6.6), Moghanlou (7.2), Taremi (7.4) | Substitutes: Ghayedi (6.1), Alipour (6.1), Haji Safi (6.1), Hosseinzadeh (6.3)
New Zealand
Crocombe (5.7), Payne (6.3), Boxall (6.4), Surman (7.2), Cacace (6.4), Stamenic (6.5), Bell (6.8), McCowatt (7.2), Singh (7.1), Just (9.1), Wood (8.3) | Substitutes: Old (5.9), Thomas (5.9), Elliot (6.3), Bindon (6.0), Randall (6.2)
Published on June 16, 2026
