World Cup 2026: Iran & New Zealand share spoils in 2–2 draw
New Zealand twice took the lead but failed to hold on, as both teams settled for a point each at the stadium in Los Angeles, California.
KATHMANDU: Iran and New Zealand played out an entertaining 2–2 draw in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage on Tuesday morning in Los Angeles, United States.
New Zealand twice took the lead but failed to hold on, as both teams settled for a point each at the stadium in Los Angeles, California.
Elijah Just gave New Zealand an early advantage in the 7th minute with a well-taken finish. However, Iran responded in the 32nd minute when Ramin Rezaeian converted to level the score at 1–1.
Just struck again in the 55th minute, restoring New Zealand’s lead with his second goal of the match. But once again, Iran fought back, with Mohammad Mohebi scoring in the 64th minute to make it 2–2.
Despite late efforts from both sides, neither team could find a winning goal, and the match ended in a shared point.
