Source: @(Sky Sports)
Iran’s 2026 World Cup opener against New Zealand was a match like no other, delivering two lead changes and a result that left Group G wide open. Iran put their turbulent build-up to the World Cup behind them as they came from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw with New Zealand, in what was arguably the game of the tournament so far.
The fixture kicked off against a deeply complex political backdrop. Iran have faced the threat of being unable to take their place at the tournament following international conflicts earlier this year. They were forced to change their training venue to Mexico due to visa issues, and 11 non-playing officials were blocked from entering the US for the team’s matches.
Despite FIFA’s efforts to ban them, pre-1979 Islamic revolution ‘Lion and Sun’ flags were in evidence within the stadium. The Iranian anthem was met with boos from sections of the Los Angeles Iranian diaspora. However, the fans overwhelmingly decided to separate the team from the regime, roaring them on from the outset.
A Topsy-Turvy Encounter
After a bright start from Iran, New Zealand took the lead in the seventh minute. Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood held the ball up superbly and combined with Motherwell forward Elijah Just, who steered a volley past goalkeeper Alireza Behranvand.
Iran responded well and found an equaliser in the 32nd minute through Ramin Rezaeian, seizing the momentum shortly after the first hydration break.
Ten minutes into the second half, Just grabbed his second of the game. He combined with Wood once again, rounding off a flowing team move to put New Zealand back on course for what would have been their first-ever World Cup win.
Iran hit back once more. Rezaeian swung in a precise cross from the right, and Mohammad Mohebbi guided a header in off the post in the 64th minute to secure the draw.
Group G Wide Open
The result leaves all four teams in Group G on a single point, following Belgium’s 1-1 draw with Egypt.
Motherwell’s Just will take the headlines after his stunning double, becoming the first player to score more than once for New Zealand in a World Cup match. However, there is no doubt that Chris Wood is crucial to any hope the All Whites have of progressing. The veteran striker was a physical threat from the word go, winning nearly every ball played up to him and providing the assists for both of Just’s goals.
New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley admitted his side were hurting after missing out on the chance to create history.
“I am extremely proud of the players and performance,” Bazeley said. “We were really good in possession and created a lot. We’ve come off disappointed not to win. We scored two really good goals and it’s going to hurt because we had a chance to make history. I am so proud, though.”
Goalscorer Just added: “It’s really special. Scoring once is something that I couldn’t have dreamed of, and two is just amazing. One point is OK, and there are a lot of positives to build on.”
With tougher assignments to come against Belgium and Egypt, both sides will look back at this fixture as a missed opportunity, but the race for the knockout stages remains wide open.
