Iran overcame a turbulent build-up and twice fought back from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in an emotionally charged FIFA World Cup 2026 opener in Los Angeles.
For Iran, the match represented far more than a football fixture. Weeks of political uncertainty, travel disruptions and off-field controversies had overshadowed preparations, but for 90 minutes, the focus shifted back to football inside a packed stadium in California.
New Zealand will leave disappointed after twice holding the lead and coming within touching distance of a historic victory over one of Asia’s football powerhouses.
Eli Just shines as New Zealand threaten an upset
New Zealand made an energetic start and stunned Iran in the seventh minute.
Eli Just combined brilliantly with captain Chris Wood before firing past Alireza Beiranvand to score New Zealand’s opening goal.
The All Whites continued to trouble Iran with direct attacking football, while Wood’s physical presence created problems throughout the contest.
Iran responded positively and eventually levelled through veteran defender Ramin Rezaeian. The 36-year-old capped off a flowing move by arriving late inside the box to poke home the equaliser.
The end-to-end nature of the contest made it clear that more goals were inevitable.
Iran refuse to surrender
New Zealand regained the advantage shortly after the break.
Just grabbed his second goal of the evening after another intelligent combination with Wood, calmly lifting the ball over the advancing Iranian goalkeeper.
However, Iran refused to collapse.
Mohammad Mohebi restored parity after losing his markers inside the penalty area before directing a header into the net via the post.
The draw ultimately reflected Iran’s resilience and New Zealand’s inability to protect their advantage.
New Zealand manager Darren Bazeley admitted his side was left wondering what might have been.
“We were so close to making history,” he said after the match.
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Politics and football collided before kickoff
The contest carried an unusual weight beyond sporting competition.
Iran’s preparations had been heavily disrupted after several officials were denied entry into the United States, forcing the team to temporarily relocate its base to Tijuana in Mexico.
The squad travelled to Los Angeles with a reduced support staff after weeks of uncertainty.
Political divisions also spilt into the stands.
Outside the stadium, protesters demonstrated against Iran’s government, while inside, Iranian supporters largely backed the national team.
The atmosphere was notably different from Qatar 2022, with Iranian players singing the national anthem before kickoff.
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Attention now turns to Belgium
Iran captain Mehdi Taremi later described his team’s World Cup experience so far as a “disaster”, citing the difficulties they faced before even stepping onto the field.
The draw leaves both teams with work to do in Group G.
Iran will now prepare for a crucial clash against Belgium, while New Zealand can take confidence from a performance that showed they are capable of competing on the biggest stage.
