New Zealand and Iran share a thrilling 2-2 draw in Los Angeles

New Zealand and Iran played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in Los Angeles at the 2026 World Cup, with both teams twice coming from behind. Elijah Just scored for the All Whites in the 7th and 55th minutes, while Ramin Rezaeian equalized in the 33rd minute and Mehdi Mohebi did so again in the 64th.

The match drew attention before kickoff because of regional tensions, visa issues and special arrangements surrounding Iran’s arrival in the United States. Protests were also reported outside the stadium from parts of the large Iranian-American community in Los Angeles.

Iran entered as the favorite and with a local coach on the bench for the first time since 1998, but could not secure a win despite showing resilience by recovering twice from deficits. The team of Amir Ghalenoei showed it could set aside politics and play organized football against a stubborn opponent.

New Zealand, returning to the World Cup after a 16-year absence, impressed with quick, fluent attacking play built through strong passing. Just became the first New Zealand player to score a brace in a World Cup match, and his two goals account for one third of New Zealand’s all-time World Cup goals. After the first round in Group G, all four teams have one point. Iran next face Belgium, while New Zealand meet Egypt in their bid to keep collecting points in their first World Cup campaign since 2010.