World Cup 2026: Iran make two saves to hold New Zealand to 2-2 draw in thriller

Iran came from behind twice on Monday to earn a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G opener at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium on Monday, a game played against a backdrop of political tension and anti-government protests by Iranian-Americans.

The game took place less than 24 hours after the preliminary game A peace agreement was announced between the United States and Iranending months of conflict that began when the US and Israel attacked Iran in February.

New Zealand started brightly and took the lead in the seventh minute. Chris Wood turned provider and set up Elijah Just, who volleyed past Alireza Beiranvand from inside the penalty area.

Iran vs New Zealand, FIFA World Cup: HIGHLIGHTS

Iran responded well and equalized in the 32nd minute through Ramin Rezaeian. The defender was quickest to react from sixteen yards out and from close range he headed the ball home, sending the largely pro-Iran crowd into celebration.

The Kiwis regained the lead in the 54th minute through Justo, who scored his second goal of the game. Wood was the creator again and the Motherwell winger calmly lifted the ball over Beiranvand to restore New Zealand’s advantage.

However, Iran struck for the second time 10 minutes later. Mohammad Mohebbi crossed to the back post and made it 2:2 with a header.

Both teams continued to attack in search of a winner, but neither side could find the decisive goal as the game ended in a tie.

The result leaves Group G delicately balanced after Belgium and Egypt also drew 1-1 on Monday.

Iran will return to Los Angeles to face Belgium on Sunday, while New Zealand will travel to Vancouver to face Egypt.

The Iranian team arrived in the United States on Sunday from their training base in Tijuana, Mexico ahead of the match.

In Los Angeles, home to the largest Iranian community outside of Iran, many Iranian American soccer fans said they were torn between excitement to see the national team compete on the world’s biggest stage, anger over Tehran’s crackdown on protesters and concern over Washington’s military campaign against Iran.

Although most Iranian fans in the stadium passionately supported their team, many signaled opposition to the government in Tehran by flying the pre-revolutionary lion and sun flag, a symbol widely used by opponents of the Islamic Republic.

Some went further, cheering for New Zealand or booing their own team, which some Iranian-Americans see as representing the government.

Between 300 and 500 protesters gathered outside the stadium, carrying anti-government banners and Iranian flags. Some said they chose not to attend the match because they did not want to be seen as supporting the authorities in Tehran while protesting the country’s treatment of pro-democracy protesters.

Inside the stadium before kick-off, sections of the crowd booed Iran’s national anthem.

Iran has threatened to stop matches if unofficial flags are brought into stadiums or political slogans are chanted.

However, numerous spectators carrying lion and sun flags or clothing with the symbol passed through security without issue and the match went ahead as planned.

When asked about the matter earlier, world soccer’s governing body FIFA pointed to regulations banning flags or clothing of a political nature. She did not comment specifically on the status of Iran’s pre-revolutionary flag and did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Monday.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also present at the match.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

Jun 16, 2026 08:53 IST