FIFA World Cup 2026: Iran draw 2-2 with New Zealand in LA clash
INGLEWOOD, California: Iran twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with New Zealand in an exciting World Cup clash at Los Angeles Stadium on Monday. New Zealand took an early lead when Elijah Just volleyed home from inside the box after being set up by Chris Wood. Rezaeian, one of several Iran players who had not played club football since February after the domestic league was suspended amid U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, reacted quickest to a shot blocked by a defender and poked the ball past the advancing goalkeeper. Iran players react after New Zealand's Elijah Just (11), bottom, scored their second goal during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Andre Penner) (AP) Wood and Just combined again early in the second half, the New Zealand captain sliding a precise pass into the 26-year-old forward's path before Just hammered home to restore the All Whites' lead. Iran responded 10 minutes later with a super goal from Mohammad Mohebbi, who headed Rezaeian's perfect cross in off the far post to make it 2-2. Iran created better chances leading up to the final whistle but were unable to find a winner as the sun set over Southern California. Iran's Mohammad Mohebbi (8), top center, scores his side's second goal during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP) Group G All Square The stalemate means all the teams in Group G have one point after Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt earlier on Monday. New Zealand, making their third appearance at the finals, remain without a win at a World Cup after seven matches. Iran are looking to reach the knockout round for the first time. "We're disappointed to not win," New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley said. "When you're leading twice in a game you come away with that what if. We were probably as close as we've ever been to winning a game at the World Cup and we couldn't quite do that today. "But we're in the World Cup, we didn't lose, we stayed in the game, scored goals and created chances, so it was a really strong performance I'm really proud of." Iran, who moved their base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, where they have been warmly received, will return to Los Angeles to face Belgium on Sunday when New Zealand take on Egypt in Vancouver.
