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The Iran national football team shared the spoils with New Zealand after a thrilling 2-2 draw in their Group G match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

New Zealand twice took the lead through a brace from Elijah Just (7', 55').

However, Iran managed to level the score on both occasions, thanks to goals from Ramin Rezaeian (32') and Mohammad Mohebi (64').

The match between New Zealand and Iran was held at Los Angeles Stadium, United States, on Tuesday (16 June 2026), with kick-off at 08:00 WIB.

Match Summary:

First Half:

Iran’s first attempt came through A Yousefi, but his effort was comfortably saved by the New Zealand goalkeeper.

In the 7th minute, New Zealand opened the scoring through Elijah Just.

After an excellent combination play with Chris Wood, Just finished with a powerful volley to make it 1-0.

By the 10th minute, New Zealand’s players appeared confident in possession, easily circulating the ball within Iran’s defensive area.

Conversely, Iran struggled to build up their attacks effectively during the early stages.

In the 18th minute, Sarpreet Singh’s long-range strike forced a fine save from the Iranian keeper.

Iran’s golden opportunity came in the 22nd minute when M Taremi’s powerful shot struck the post.

At the 29th minute, Liberato Cacace’s shot from inside the penalty area was safely gathered by the Iranian goalkeeper.

Iran finally equalised in the 32nd minute through Ramin Rezaeian’s precise finish, making it 1-1.

New Zealand’s free kick in the 44th minute was parried away by the Iranian goalkeeper.

Callum McCowatt’s shot just before half-time was also saved.

In the dying moments of the first half, Iran found the net from a set-piece situation, but the goal was disallowed as Ali Nemati was caught offside.

Second Half:

In the 50th minute, Shahriyar Moghanlou tried his luck from distance, but his shot soared over the bar.

New Zealand regained the lead in the 54th minute through Elijah Just, who completed a fine one-two exchange to secure his brace and make it 2-1.

Iran refused to give up and restored parity in the 64th minute.

Mohammad Mohebi’s header, assisted by Ramin Rezaeian, beat the New Zealand goalkeeper to make it 2-2.

After the 70th minute, both teams struggled to create clear chances.

In the 86th minute, Mohebi’s long-range effort was comfortably handled by the New Zealand goalkeeper.

Iran pressed hard in the final minutes, but the score remained unchanged at 2-2.

Line-ups: Iran vs New Zealand

Iran:

Starting XI: A Beiranvand (GK), R Rezaeian, A Nemati, S Khalizadeh, M Mohammadi, A Yousefi, S Ghoddos, S Ezatolahi, M Mohebi, S Moghanlou, M Taremi

Substitutes: Payam Niazmand (GK), Hossein Hosseini (GK), Saleh Hardani, Ehsan Hajsafi, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mehdi Ghayedi, Ali Alipour, Hossein Kanaanizadegan, Rouzbeh Cheshmi, Mehdi Torabi, Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh, Mohammad Ghorbani, Dennis Eckert, Danial Iri, Amirmohammad Razaghinia

Coach: A Ghalenoei

New Zealand:

Starting XI: M Crocombe (GK), L Cacace, M Boxall, F Surman, T Payne, M Stamenic, J Bell, E Just, S Singh, C McCowatt, C Wood

Substitutes: Alex Paulsen (GK), Michael Woud (GK), Francis de Vrias, Tyle Bindon, Alex Rufer, Nando Pijnaker, Kosta Barbarouses, Ben Waine, Ben Old, Jesse Randall, Ryan Thomas, Callan Elliot, Lachlan Bayliss, Tommy Smith

Coach: D Bazeley