Iran twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with New Zealand in an exciting FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign that has been utterly overshadowed by war, politics and protests.
Iran's participation in the tournament had remained uncertain due to months of military tensions between Iran and the United States. However, once the match began, the focus shifted to football.
New Zealand, took the lead twice through striker Elijah Just. Despite the setbacks, Iran responded on both occasions, with Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi scoring to rescue a point and avoid an upset defeat.
The Iranian team had faced several challenges before arriving at the World Cup, including visa delays and refusals from US authorities, which forced them to move their training camp to Mexico at the last moment.
It ends in a draw. 🟰#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 16, 2026
Outside the Los Angeles stadium, hundreds of protesters opposing Iran's ruling government demonstrated, saying the national team did not represent the Iranian people. Inside the stadium, some fans displayed anti-government symbols despite FIFA's ban on political messages, while the Iranian national anthem was met with both cheers and boos.
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei had said before the match that his players would ignore the surrounding controversy, but his side suffered an early blow when New Zealand scored in the seventh minute. Chris Wood controlled a long pass and set up Elijah Just, who finished with a powerful volley after combining with Sarpreet Singh and Wood.
Iran nearly equalized in the 23rd minute when Mehdi Taremi's long-range effort struck the post. They threatened again after New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe lost possession outside his area, but Iran failed to convert the opportunity.
The equaliser arrived in the 32nd minute when Rezaeian reacted quickest to score from a rebound after Shahriyar Moghanlou's effort had been blocked. Ali Nemati later thought he had given Iran the lead before halftime, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
New Zealand regained the advantage in the 55th minute as Elijah Just scored his second goal following a neat exchange with Chris Wood after Liberato Cacace won the ball near midfield.
Iran responded again nine minutes later when Mohammad Mohebi headed home Rezaeian's cross, with the ball going in off the inside of the post.
Iran pushed for a winning goal in the final stages of the match but were denied by poor finishing and determined New Zealand defending.
The draw is a setback for Iran's hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. However, fellow Group G teams Egypt and Belgium also played out a draw, while New Zealand's search for their first-ever World Cup victory continues.
