Iran 2-2 New Zealand: Elijah Just scores twice Group G draw, Stats, Facts

Iran twice come from behind to claim draw in 2026 World Cup opener with New Zealand, Facts, records

Iran fought back twice in Los Angeles to hold New Zealand to a draw, denying them their first-ever World Cup victory.

New Zealand made a strong start when Motherwell striker Elijah Just scored with a powerful half-volley after Chris Wood controlled the ball and set him up.

The Kiwis continued to look dangerous, but the first hydration break in the opening half shifted the momentum. Iran equalized when Ramin Rezaeian cleverly flicked the ball past goalkeeper Max Crocombe.

Before scoring, Iran's star forward Mehdi Taremi had come close, hitting the post with a powerful long-range effort. Iran also had another goal disallowed for offside.

New Zealand were slower out of the blocks after halftime, but Just struck again. Linking up with Wood once more, he lifted the ball over goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand to restore New Zealand's lead.

However, Iran responded again. Mohammad Mohebbi met a cross from Rezaeian and headed the ball in off the post to make it 2-2.

As a result, all four teams in Group G sit on one point after Belgium and Egypt also drew 1-1 in their opening match.  

Iran vs New Zealand 2026 World Cup Final Score, Stats, Facts, Records.


Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026  

Venue: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, United States  

Group: Group G

Final Score: 2-2 tie.

New Zealand Goals: Elijah Just scored twice (7', 54').

Iran Goals: Ramin Rezaeian (32') and Mohammad Mohebbi (64').

Assists: Chris Wood (2) and Ramin Rezaeian (1).

Records & Milestones

Elijah Just: First New Zealand player to score a World Cup brace.

Elijah Just: First Motherwell FC player to score at a World Cup.

Chris Wood: First New Zealand player with multiple World Cup assists.

Chris Wood: First New Zealand player to feature in two World Cups.

Ramin Rezaeian: First Iranian with a goal and assist in one game.

All Whites: Matched their entire 2010 tournament shots-on-target count in 30 minutes.

New Zealand: Extended their winless World Cup tournament streak to seven games.

Pre-match stats

Iran have won the last meeting between the two sides 3-0.  

This will be Iran’s 7th World Cup appearance and New Zealand’s 3rd.  

Iran defeated Mali 2-0 in their most recent friendly.  

New Zealand lost 1-0 to England in their latest preparation game.

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