Iran recovered from two deficits as Mohammad Mohebbi secured a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their World Cup Group G opener (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Iran recovered from two separate deficits to earn a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their opening Group G match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Elijah Just scored both goals for New Zealand, giving the All Whites the lead early in each half. Ramin Rezaeian produced a goal and an assist for Iran before Mohammad Mohebbi headed in the final equalizer in the 64th minute.
The result leaves Iran and New Zealand level on one point alongside Belgium and Egypt, who also drew their opening group match.
New Zealand took a surprise lead after seven minutes when captain Chris Wood intercepted an Iran goal kick and helped move the ball into the penalty area.
The opportunity eventually fell to Just, who volleyed through a crowded area to put the All Whites ahead.
Iran gradually gained control and equalized in the 32nd minute. The ball reached Rezaeian on the right side of the penalty area, and the defender lifted an outside-of-the-foot finish over the goalkeeper.
Just restored New Zealand’s advantage nine minutes after halftime. Wood held off the Iran defence and supplied a controlled touch into his teammate’s path, allowing Just to shoot through traffic for his second goal.
Iran responded again in the 64th minute when Rezaeian delivered a long, accurate pass into the penalty area.
Mohebbi met the ball with a header and directed it into the net to make it 2-2.
Both teams created opportunities to find a winning goal during the closing stages, but neither side could break the deadlock.
New Zealand remain without a victory in World Cup history, although the two goals matched the country’s total from each of its previous tournament appearances.
Iran entered the competition amid complicated travel arrangements after relocating its tournament training base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico.
The team has been travelling into the United States shortly before its matches before returning to Mexico. Iran played its opener in front of a large contingent of supporters at SoFi Stadium, although political protests also took place outside the venue and during the pre-match ceremony.
Iran, ranked 20th by FIFA entering the tournament, are appearing at the World Cup for the seventh time but have never progressed beyond the group stage.
New Zealand qualified automatically from Oceania after the tournament expanded to 48 teams. The All Whites are making their first World Cup appearance since 2010.
Iran will face Belgium on June 21, while New Zealand meet Egypt on the same day. With every team sitting on one point, the next round of matches could significantly affect Group G markets across football betting sites.
Canadian fans can also review the latest offers and promotions through RG’s World Cup 2026 Betting Bonuses in Canada page.
Maxi Araújo scored in the 80th minute as Uruguay recovered to draw 1-1 with Saudi Arabia in their opening World Cup Group H match.
Egypt impressed against Belgium but a Mohamed Hany own goal cancelled out Emam Ashour’s strike in a 1-1 World Cup draw in Seattle.
Cape Verde earned its first World Cup point after goalkeeper Vozinha helped secure a historic 0-0 draw against favourite Spain.
Follow World Cup 2026 live on June 15 with Spain, Belgium and Uruguay in action, plus fixtures, results and standings updates.
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