IRAN FIGHT BACK TWICE TO HOLD NEW ZEALAND IN THRILLING WORLD CUP OPENER

Iran showed resilience and determination as they came from behind twice to earn a hard-fought 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

New Zealand stunned their opponents early when Elijah Just opened the scoring in the seventh minute. Iran responded through Ramin Rezaeian, who found the equaliser in the first half to send both teams into the break level.

The All Whites regained the lead shortly after halftime, with Just scoring his second goal of the match following another assist from captain Chris Wood. However, Iran refused to back down, and Mohammad Mohebbi headed home the equaliser in the 64th minute after a well-delivered cross from Rezaeian.

The entertaining Group G encounter was played before a crowd of more than 70,000 spectators in Los Angeles and produced one of the most exciting matches of the tournament so far. Despite creating several chances late in the game, neither side could find a winning goal.

The result leaves Iran and New Zealand with one point each after their opening fixture, while the other Group G match between Belgium and Egypt also ended in a draw.

Iran will next face Belgium, while New Zealand will take on Egypt as both teams continue their quest for a place in the knockout stage of the tournament.