Iran showed remarkable resilience to come from behind twice and salvage a thrilling 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their opening Group G clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Los Angeles Stadium on Monday.
Team Melli dug deep to secure a valuable point after goals from Elijah Just and Mohammad Mohebi lit up an entertaining contest.
New Zealand stunned the Iranians just seven minutes into the game. Chris Wood’s hold-up play created the opening, and Elijah Just made no mistake, firing home to give the Kiwis an early lead despite seeing little of the ball in the opening exchanges.
The goal rattled Iran, with New Zealand growing in confidence and threatening to extend their advantage. Wood came close to doubling the lead midway through the half, while
India Singh also tested the Iranian defence as the Oceania side enjoyed a dominant spell.
However, Iran gradually regained control. Mehdi Taremi and company began dictating possession, while New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe was forced into a series of nervy moments under pressure.
The equaliser finally arrived in the 32nd minute. After a sustained spell of pressure, a loose ball inside the box fell kindly for Ramin Rezaeian, who calmly nudged it beyond Crocombe to make it 1-1.
Iran thought they had completed the turnaround deep into first-half stoppage time, only for a headed finish from a free-kick to be ruled out for offside.
The second half exploded into life almost immediately.
Just restored New Zealand’s lead in the 54th minute after a superb passing move involving Wood. The Nottingham Forest striker’s intelligent link-up play released Just, who finished clinically for his second goal of the night.
Yet Iran responded once again.
Just ten minutes later, Rezaeian turned provider with a brilliant cross from the right flank, and Mohebi rose highest to power a header into the net and level the scores at 2-2.
The game remained finely balanced throughout the closing stages. Taremi struck the upright with a fierce effort, while New Zealand continued to look dangerous through Wood and substitute Elliot.
Both sides pushed for a winner during a tense final quarter, but neither could find the decisive breakthrough, and the encounter ended on level terms.
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