Iran Rally Twice to Draw 2-2 with New Zealand in World Cup Opener Amid Protests
INGLEWOOD, California — Iran twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with New Zealand in their opening World Cup Group G match on Monday, a game played against a backdrop of protests against Iran's government and ongoing political tensions.
Elijah Just scored both goals for New Zealand, netting in the 7th and 54th minutes, while Iran's equalisers came from Ramin Rezaeian in the 32nd minute and Mohammad Mohebi in the 64th, as reported by multiple outlets. The match took place at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California.
The draw leaves both teams with one point. Earlier in the group, Belgium and Egypt played to a 1-1 draw, according to several reports. Iran will face Belgium on June 21, while New Zealand will take on Egypt on June 22, as reported by TASS.
Hundreds of protesters against Iran's government demonstrated outside the venue, with some chanting against the country's leadership. Inside the stadium, some fans critical of the Iranian government booed the national anthem and carried pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flags, according to multiple reports. However, most of the crowd of more than 70,000 appeared to back Team Melli, chanting "Ir-ran! Ir-ran!" and celebrating the equalisers.
The match was also notable for a tribute: Iranian fans raised banners reading "Minab 168" in memory of children killed in a strike on a school, as reported by Al Jazeera.
New Zealand took an early lead when Chris Wood set up Just, who volleyed home from inside the box. Iran's Mehdi Taremi nearly equalised in the 23rd minute with a long-range effort that hit the post. Rezaeian then levelled after reacting quickest to a blocked shot.
In the second half, Wood and Just combined again to restore New Zealand's lead, but Mohebi equalised 10 minutes later with a goal that made him the first Russian Premier League player to score in the 2026 World Cup, according to TASS.
Iran's preparations had been disrupted by visa delays and a late move of their training camp to Mexico, with some players not having played club football since February due to suspension of the domestic league amid air strikes, as reported by multiple sources.