16.06.2026 08:11
Iran and New Zealand faced off in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Falling behind twice, Iran refused to give up and secured a 2-2 draw.
In the match watched by 70,108 football fans at Los Angeles Stadium, Iran started effectively, but the first goal came from New Zealand. In the 7th minute of the match, Wood received the ball in the penalty area from Singh's pass and spotted Just in front of the goal. The close-range shot by this player found the net, and New Zealand took a 1-0 lead.
TAREMI HITS THE POST
After the goal, Iran increased their pressure and came close to equalizing in the 22nd minute. Mehdi Taremi intercepted the ball in the midfield and shot hard from just outside the penalty arc. The ball hit the side post and bounced back into play, as Iran missed a significant opportunity.
REZAEIAN LEVELS THE SCORE
Iran found the goal they were looking for in the 32nd minute. Moghanlou's shot inside the penalty area hit the defense and fell to Rezaeian. The experienced player scored with a powerful shot from the right diagonal, making it 1-1. The first half ended with this score.
NEW ZEALAND TAKES THE LEAD AGAIN
In the second half, both teams played a controlled game, but New Zealand regained the lead in the 54th minute. After a one-two pass with Wood, Just entered the penalty area from the right wing and sent the ball into the net, scoring his second and his team's second goal.
IRAN DOES NOT GIVE UP
Falling behind for the second time in the match, Iran responded in the 64th minute. From Rezaeian's cross from the right wing, Mohebi rose between the defenders and headed the ball, which hit the side post and went into the net, making it 2-2. With no further goals in the remaining minutes, both teams left the field with one point each.
POINTS SHARED IN THE GROUP
Following this result, Iran and New Zealand started the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G with one point each. Both teams will take to the field in their second group matches aiming for their first victories.