Iran responds twice in pulsating draw vs New Zealand
Iran led by striker Mehdi Taremi responded twice to draw 2-2 against New Zealand in the opening Group G match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) in Inglewood, California played host to both teams in an end-to-end encounter that turned out to be highly entertaining to the delight of fans.
New Zealand took an early lead in the game when Motherwell striker Elijah Just opened the scoring with a thumping strike after being set up by captain Chris Wood.
Iran responded before the break when Ramin Rezaeian pounced on a loose ball to flick home the equalizer after pilling intense pressure on the opponents defence line.
Read Also: Belgium, Egypt share spoils in World Cup thriller
Early in the second half of the game, New Zealand reclaimed the lead when Elijah Just combined beautifully with Chris Wood once again to secure his brace.
Iran later equalized in the tense encounter to make it 2-2 in the 64th minute when Mohammad Mohebi met a precise cross from Rezaeian with a magnificent bullet header which hit the back of the New Zealand net.
All four teams in Group G sit level with one point each after the first matchday after the other opening fixture between Belgium and Egypt also ended in a 1-1 draw.
Iran and New Zealand each have two remaining group stage fixtures in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Both teams will battle Belgium and Egypt to secure a spot in the knockout rounds.
