Iran fought back twice to earn a thrilling 2-2 draw against New Zealand in a lively FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
The result extended New Zealand’s unique unbeaten record at World Cups in this century. The All Whites have now played four matches across the 2010 and 2026 tournaments and remain undefeated, with all four games ending in draws.
New Zealand made a bright start and took the lead in the seventh minute through Elijah Just. Chris Wood controlled a long clearance deep inside Iran’s half and combined neatly with Sarpreet Singh. The Indian-origin midfielder lifted a clever pass over the defence for Wood, who set up Just to fire home from inside the box.
Iran responded well and nearly equalised midway through the first half when Mehdi Taremi struck the post from outside the area after leading a swift counterattack.
The pressure eventually paid off in the 32nd minute. Saman Ghoddos slipped a pass into the box for Shahriar Moghanlou. Although the forward’s effort was blocked, the loose ball fell kindly for Ramin Rezaeian, who poked home from close range to make it 1-1.
Both teams continued to attack after the break. New Zealand regained the lead in the 55th minute through Just once again. Iran lost possession in midfield and the All Whites quickly broke forward. Wood received the ball inside the box and laid it back for Just, who calmly finished for his second goal of the match.
Iran refused to give up and levelled the score for a second time nine minutes later. Rezaeian turned provider with an excellent cross from the right wing. Mohammad Mohebi found space inside the area and guided a header in off the post to bring Iran back into the contest.
The match remained open until the final whistle. Both sides pushed for a winner, with crosses flying into both penalty areas. Iran came closest in stoppage time when a dangerous corner caused problems inside the New Zealand box, but the All Whites cleared the danger.
After an entertaining contest filled with attacking football and four goals, the points were shared.
The draw leaves both teams with a point from their opening Group G fixture, while New Zealand’s remarkable unbeaten World Cup record remains intact.
