Portland Timbers defender Finn Surman made his World Cup debut Monday evening in New Zealand’s 2-2 draw against Iran in Group G play at Los Angeles Stadium in the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Surman was part of the All Whites’ Starting XI in head coach Darren Bazeley’s squad and played the full 90 minutes in the back-and-forth match.
The start made Surman the second Timbers in the MLS era to start a World Cup match, joining midfielder David Guzmán who started for Costa Rica in the 2018 edition.
Getting warmed up for our first FIFA World Cup match in 16 years 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/UbDFaq1fE8
Proud to wear the Fern at on the world’s biggest stage 🌿 pic.twitter.com/gpBQ7STugm
New Zealand gained two leads Monday night with a brace tallied by Elijah Just of Scottish Premier League’s Motherwell FC with goals coming in the seventh and 54th minutes. But each time, Iran managed to find an equalizer, scoring in the 32nd and 64th minutes.
Surman marshalled the backline throughout and stood strong as Iran searched for a gamewinner. The stalwart defender made a key tackle in the box in the 59th minute to snuff out an Iranian attack.
Later, in the 76th, he was knocked down near midfield only to quickly recover and block an Iranian shot near the edge of the 18-yard box.
Surman almost found a gamewinner himself in the 81st minute when he lurked near the back post on a recycled cross following a New Zealand corner kick only to have the ball punched away by Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
The All Whites and Timbers defender’s calm performance was key to the team’s hard-earned point. Surman led all players with a 96% pass completion rate and completed 48 passes – two short of the game high (50). Additionally, his defensive work also included three blocks out of New Zealand’s total of five plus he led the match in defensive contributions (16) as well as touches (76).
FOX Sports soccer broadcaster Warren Barton commented on Surman’s play late in the game saying, “He’s excellent.”
Former Timbers2 player and social media darling Tim Payne also put in a good show for New Zealand, starting alongside Surman on the All Whites’ backline and playing 68 minutes in the match.
The popular Soccer Celebration, presented by adidas and McDonalds, in Pioneer Courthouse Square came to a close Monday night but saw many fans come out to watch Surman’s performance including his Timbers teammate Diego Chara and his family.
A haka for our Kiwi before @NZ_Football
takes on the world 🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/vwXcXOPVkB
New Zealand’s next game in Group G play is Sunday, June 21 when they face Egypt at BC Place in Vancouver, B.C. Kickoff is 6pm with broadcasts available in English on FS1 and FOX One and in Spanish on Telemundo and Peacock.
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