FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand highlights: NZL held to 2-2 draw by IRN
While Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand in each half, Mohammad Mohebbi and Rezaeian Ramin equalised for Iran in both halfs
· The Indian Express · JoinThanks to goals in each half from Mohammad Mohebbi and Rezaeian Ramin, Iran clawed their way back into the game twice against New Zealand in their FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage game. The game ended with both teams deadlocked at 2-2. Elijah Just and Chris Wood combined for both New Zealand goals (7th minute and 54′) but Iran levelled the game both times in what was an entertaining FIFA World Cup 2026 game at Los Angeles. Iran also struck the upright, thanks to a vicious shot from Iran captain Mehdi Taremi.
Just a day after the USA and Iran reached a tentative agreement to end the war in Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the Iranian football team is on US soil to play their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against New Zealand at the Los Angeles Stadium in a Group G opening clash. Expect this to be an emotional FIFA World Cup 2026 game at least for one team and their fans, many of whom are likely to be split about cheering for the side.
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Unlike the rest of the 47 teams, The Iranians have not had the best of the build-up to the FIFA World Cup. Iran captain Mehdi Taremi complained before the game that his team had a challenging experience due to multiple disruptions created by their nation’s war with the US, the tournament’s co-host. The Iranians only managed to arrive in Los Angeles on Sunday from their training base in Tijuana, Mexico — about 140 miles (225 kilometers) from the stadium where they will open group-stage play against New Zealand. Iran initially planned to train in Tucson, Arizona. But then USA and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, killing its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the initial missile strikes. After the war, Iran planned to move base to Baja California. FIFA then rejected Iran’s desire to play its group-stage World Cup matches outside the U.S., claiming logistics and contracts wouldn’t allow it.
This is the Iran and New Zealand’s first meeting at a FIFA World Cup. Both sailed through qualification stage, with Iran losing only one game in a 16-match event while New Zealand reached a third finals on the back of a flawless campaign in Oceania.
Scroll down to read updates from the FIFA World Cup 2026 game between Iran and New Zealand.
Live Updates
Jun 16, 2026 08:38 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: FULL-TIME
Iran and New Zealand have played out a frantic 2-2 draw at Los Angeles where the Asian side had to claw back after falling one goal back twice. For New Zealand, Elijah Just scored a brace with Chris Wood assisting both goals. For Iran, Mohammad Mohebbi and Rezaeian Ramin scored.
Jun 16, 2026 08:36 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: Thomas saves!
What a crucial header from Ryan Thomas! As Iran pile on pressure and almost score, Thomas heads the ball about 5 yards from the goalmouth. There was an Iranian players running towards the ball, but Thomas saved New Zealand there
Jun 16, 2026 08:31 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: 5 mins added
Chris Wood, who has done everything tonight except scoring, gets his chance after a lofted ball comes his way and he rises in the Iran box before heading it. Unfortunately, heads straight into the hands of the keeper.
After 90+1, Iran 2-2 New Zealand
Jun 16, 2026 08:24 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: 83 minutes gone
Plenty of tired legs out in the middle but game still being played with a frantic energy. Iran still look the more desperate to score. They are known for late goals in games, so New Zealand will be wary of what is to come in the five more minutes of regulation time and the added time.
Iran 2-2 New Zealand
Jun 16, 2026 08:06 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: GOAL!
Iran hit back and how! It's a tale of two incredible passes. The first one coming in from the left flank in Iran's half. It's aimed diagonally to Ramin Rezaeian on the right wing in New Zealand's third. Ramin controls the ball, looks up and then crosses diagonally himself into the box. There Mohammad Mohebbi rises unchallenged and nods the ball in!
Six goals in qualifying from Mohebbi. And now he's scored when Iran needed it the most.
After 64 minutes, Iran 2-2 New Zealand
Jun 16, 2026 07:56 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: Deja Vu
Another half of Iran vs New Zealand and the same pattern as the first half. Iran do all the early attacking, and then New Zealand earn a chance and score! And once again it's Elijah Just, with an assist from Chris Wood, who scores for New Zealand on the 55th minute!
Just came haring in diagonally from the left flank towards the right through the middle of the park before passing to Wood. The lanky forward does well to lay a silken pass into the path of Just, who lifts the ball past the keeper and a defender.
Smooth!
After 55 mins, Iran 1-2 New Zealand
Jun 16, 2026 07:50 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: Iran attacking
Just like in the first half, Iran have begun the half will all the momentum. They have a couple of forays into the New Zealand box already.
After 50 minutes, Iran 1-1 New Zealand
Jun 16, 2026 07:43 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: Iran make a change
So we we return from the half-time break, Iran have made a change in their XI. Mehdu Ghayedi is in, Arya Yousefi is benched.
here we go, the second half begins.
Jun 16, 2026 07:28 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: GOAL? Nope!
Heartbreak for Iran as Ali Nemati slips past the New Zealand defensive line in a freekick and heads the ball in. The Iranians are celebrating but the linesman has raised his flag for offside. Won't count.
And right after that disallowed goal, we have half-time whistle. Iran have had the better chances in that half, hitting the upright once and having a goal chalked offside.
Another big half coming up. Stay with us.
Jun 16, 2026 07:14 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: GOAL!
IRAN ARE LEVEL! :soccer:
The Los Angles Stadium erupts with the decibel levels rising up several notches as Rezaeian Ramin scores to pull Iran level at 1-1! He did plenty of the hard work to create the goal. And when Shahriar Moghanloo’s shot is blocked by Max Crocombe, Ramin comes running in from the right flank to flick the ball past the New Zealand keeper with the outside of his boot!
This is the earliest ever Iran have scored in a FIFA World Cup. Five of their World Cup goals have come in stoppage time.
5 attempts on goal for Iran compared to New Zealand's 7 so far today.
Iran 1-1 New Zealand
Jun 16, 2026 07:00 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: IRAN HIT THE POST!
What a counter-attack from Iran! The Iran captain Mehdi Taremi goes on a haring down down the middle of the pitch as the rest of his teammates pull defenders away from him. Finally, Taremi lets fly and the ball thuds into the upright! The keeper was beaten!
Would have been Taremi's 60th international goal on his 107th cap.
SO CLOSE!
After 24 minutes, Iran 0-1 New Zealand
Jun 16, 2026 06:54 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: CHANCE
Chances at both ends, but New Zealand had the better chances to double their lead after Sarpreet Singh and then Chris Wood both find themselves in front of the Iranian goal in a position where a shot from a good angle would be a goal. Both times, the New Zealand players cannot be clinical and the chances are squandered.
At the other end, Iran have barged into the New Zealand box plenty of times. But no goals just yet.
After 16 minutes, Iran 0-1 New Zealand
Jun 16, 2026 06:47 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: GOAL!
A GOAL FROM NEW ZEALAND THAT'S COME OUT OF NOWHERE! FIRST CHANCE, FIRST SHOT AT GOAL, FIRST GOAL!
Just seven minutes in and it's been all Iran in terms of attacking. But then New Zealand counter with Chris Wood building up the play before running into the box and chesting the ball into the path of Elijah Just. Just shoots past Alireza Beiranvand with minimal effort. New Zealand are in front.
STAT: That is only New Zealand's fifth ever goal at a World Cup finals.
After 7 minutes, Iran 0-1 New Zealand
Jun 16, 2026 06:43 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: Nice attacking move from Iran
Iran are showing plenty of intent here! A move sees a player in the midfielder pull off an audacious dummy before suddenly there are three Iranian players bearing down on the New Zealand goal. Luckily for New Zealand, the ball gets stuck in the foot of a defender.
Then, just a minute later Aria Yousefi finds himself unmarked with the ball at his feet on the left flank. he fancies a shot, but it goes straight to the keeper.
Jun 16, 2026 06:37 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: Iran attacking
Barely one minute in the game gone and Iran have already launched two forays into the New Zealand box! A long cross inside the first 25 seconds should have been caught by the New Zealand keeper, but the defender tried to get his head to it and clear it away. Then, the Iranians come again, with another cross from the right flank that is scrambled away. Positive signs from Iran so far.
After 2 minutes, Iran 0-0 New Zealand
Jun 16, 2026 06:34 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: Kickoff!
The Iranians are playing in pristine white kits while New Zealand are in black kits. Nice contrast. here we go!
Jun 16, 2026 06:34 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: Kickoff!
The Iranians are playing in pristine white kits while New Zealand are in black kits. Nice contrast. here we go!
Jun 16, 2026 06:26 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: National anthem time!
here we go! A day after their leaders agreed to a deal with USA, Iran are about to play in their first World Cup game on US soil.
The team got here just yesterday from their training base in Mexico's Tijuana.
Jun 16, 2026 06:15 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: 'Iran will play with smiles on our faces'
Before the game against New Zealand, Iran forward Alireza Jahanbakhsh spoke about the mood in the Iranian team despite the hardships they have had to endure to compete at the World Cup.
“The fact that we have played for so many years together helps us to manage the whole thing a lot better, on and off the pitch. I’d say 70-80 per cent of the team, we’ve been together for years now. All we’ve ever wanted to do was give our best for the national team. We are really like brothers, the feeling is always super nice when we spend time together in the national team. A lot of us are in contact off the pitch as well when we are not in camp and that says a lot about our relationship. Now, we want to make sure that whenever the time comes for us to leave the national team that we do it by leaving something nice for our country, to try and create history for Iranian football,” Jahanbakhsh said.
Jun 16, 2026 05:59 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: here are the playing XIs
IR Iran: Beiranvand; Rezaeian, Nemati, Khalilzadeh, Mohammadi; Ezatolahi, Ghoddos; Yousefi, Moghanloo, Mohebi; Taremi
New Zealand: Crocombe; Payne, Boxall, Surman, Cacace; Stamenic, Bell; Just, Singh, McCowatt; Wood
Jun 16, 2026 05:40 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: Why Iranians could be cheering against Iran today
Iran was among the earliest qualifiers for this World Cup, and its strong team is currently 20th in FIFA’s rankings. But after the war began, Trump suggested the Iranian team might not be safe in the U.S. — and Iranian officials debated whether the team should compete in the tournament at all.
The Los Angeles area likely was picked to host two of Iran's matches in part because it has the world's largest Iranian population outside Iran. The so-called Tehrangeles area of the city is filled with the families of untold thousands who fled the country after the Islamic Revolution in the late 1970s.
Taremi and Ghalenoei are aware that many U.S.-based Iranians will be cheering against their success — both inside the stadium and outside, where various protests against the Iranian government are reportedly planned. Yet another source of possible tumult doesn't bother the team leaders.
“We play for every Iranian, be it in the diaspora or in Iran,” Taremi said. “People have different opinions, but we are here to unite people and we will try to bring joy to all Iranians wherever they live. We do not get involved in politics. We are here to play football.”
Jun 16, 2026 05:37 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026 live: Full-time in Miami
So Saudi Arabia manage to cling on to intense pressure from Uruguay and nick a point at the end in their group stage game. That would feel like two points dropped by both sides. Saudi Arabia led until the 80th minute, before Uruguay scored. And Uruguay had plenty of attacking chances, but could only score once.
FULL-TIME: Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay
Jun 16, 2026 05:32 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: One hour to go
In another hour, we will have Iran playing their FIFA World Cup opener on the USA soil just 24 hours after the two nations nodded for a peace agreement after nearly four months of war.
It promises to be a day of tension at Los Angeles, a city with the highest population of Iranians living in the USA.
Jun 16, 2026 05:21 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026 live: GOAL!
10 minutes left in the Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia game and the South American side have clawed back with a goal. Maxi Arajuo scores a well-deserved equaliser for the Uruguayans after sustained pressure from the side.
The Saudi keeper did well to save one shot at goal, but could not prevent the second shot from sneaking in.
Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay
Jun 16, 2026 05:02 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: Five-hour travel for Iran
Iran captain Taremi said Iran's travel from their training base in Tijuana to SoFi Stadium took roughly five hours, including the very short flight.
“Of course that impacts us,” Ghalenoei said. “I would like to thank the good people of Mexico, but we Iranians, we are accustomed to make opportunities out of hardship, and we don’t think about anything other than bringing joy to people.”
Jun 16, 2026 04:41 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: Tension in the air
“I have felt the tension from the first moment we arrived at this World Cup,” Iran captain Mehdi Taremi said through an interpreter. “At any tournament when there is tension, we won’t have the same beautiful experience we always talk about with peace and joy. ... I know it wasn’t just us. I know several countries had visa problems and changes with training camps. Before we arrived, the feeling, the sensation people always have, how they look forward to the World Cup, I think this time maybe they haven’t had the same feeling.”
The U.S. attacked Iran on Feb. 28, and the initial missile strikes killed its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The war has slowed and resumed several times since then, with President Donald Trump even announcing a peace deal earlier Sunday — one that wasn't addressed at the news conference.
“This kind of tension, it undermines that joy and it undermines the message of FIFA and our people, which is that football brings about peace,” said Taremi, the 33-year-old Olympiacos striker who is playing in his third World Cup. “I feel like this World Cup could have provided a better atmosphere than it has, but I hope in the future it will be better for all fans, whatever team they are supporting in the World Cup.”
Jun 16, 2026 04:40 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026 live: Halftime in Miami
Abdulelah Alamri's goal still the difference between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay at Miami's Miami Stadium. The Uruguayan team has 45 minutes to chance the score.
Jun 16, 2026 04:18 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026 live: GOAL!
In Miami, there is a goal in the Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay game. And it's Abdulelah Alamri who shoots the ball past the keeper. The goal comes just minutes after he had taken a shot at goal, but was blocked by Uruguay keeper.
Saudi Arabia 1-0 Uruguay
Jun 16, 2026 04:15 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live:
Three days ago, at the SoFi Stadium, Iran’s flag was met with sustained boos from the American crowd during the opening ceremony. Players were issued visas at the eleventh hour. The team moved its camp from Arizona to Tijuana, citing unfair treatment on US soil. Fifteen federation officials were denied entry, Iran’s ticket allocation was revoked, and fans who had bought seats found them cancelled. The security operation around a single group-stage fixture already resembled something other than football.
Jun 16, 2026 04:02 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026 live: Saudi Arabia 0-0 Uruguay kicks off
Meanwhile in Miami, the Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay game is still goalless at the first half hydration break!
There's a lot riding on today's game. The winner rises to the top of the table thanks to Cape Verde's fighting draw with Spain.
Jun 16, 2026 04:00 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: Iran's affected prep
Iran captain Mehdi Taremi says his team is having a challenging World Cup experience.
“I have felt the tension from the first moment we arrived at this World Cup,” Taremi said through an interpreter. “At any tournament when there is tension, we won’t have the same beautiful experience we always talk about with peace and joy. ... I know it wasn’t just us. I know several countries had visa problems and changes with training camps. Before we arrived, the feeling, the sensation people always have, how they look forward to the World Cup, I think this time maybe they haven’t had the same feeling.”
Jun 16, 2026 03:50 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: Focus on Iran
Iran are competing in their seventh FIFA World Cup. But in the past six appearances, they have never reached the knockout stage. Iran are three-time continental champions from Asia.
They barged into this edition of the FIFA World Cup, losing only one game in a 16-match qualification event
Jun 16, 2026 03:44 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026, Iran vs New Zealand Live: Iran's problems
Iran have had major roadblocks in their participation at the FIFA World Cup. The biggest one of those is the USA, who are one of the co-hosts of the FIFA World Cup, attacking Iran and killing their Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in missile strikes four months ago.
USA and Iran have been at war since those strikes.
The Iranians only arrived in Los Angeles, for the game against New Zealand, on Sunday from their training base in Tijuana, Mexico — about 140 miles (225 kilometers) from the stadium.
Iran initially planned to train in Tucson, Arizona. But then USA and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, killing its Supreme Leader. After the war began, Iran planned to move base to Baja California before finally settling for Mexico.
FIFA has rejected Iran’s desire to play its group-stage World Cup matches outside the U.S., claiming logistics and contracts wouldn’t allow it.
The Iranian team is limited to brief trips into the U.S. for its matches, flying in the day before the game and reportedly flying out immediately afterward. Iran plays in Inglewood, California, again next Sunday against Belgium, before completing the group stage in Seattle against Egypt on June 26.
Iran has been beset with logistical problems since then, including the denial of visas for certain members of its delegation. A team spokesperson said Sunday that two members of its media relations group were denied U.S. visas for the opening match. Iran and its traveling fans also have faced multiple issues with match tickets.
(With inputs from The Associated Press)
Jun 16, 2026 03:38 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026 live: Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay kicks off
As we wait for the Iran vs New Zealand game to kick off in Inglewood, we have had a kickoff in Miami in the game between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay!
Considering Cabo Verde's gritty draw earlier in the day against heavyweights Spain, a win today for either team will propel them to the top of the standings in Group H.
Jun 16, 2026 03:34 AM IST
HOLA
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the Iran vs New Zealand football game from Group G. It promises to be an emotion-charged game for at least one team, the Iran side, who have had their fair share of issues getting to USA.
Coming up, Iran on US soil: Tension, security – and divided fans
Los Angeles has another name. Iranians call it Tehrangeles, home to the largest concentration of Iranians outside Iran itself. On Monday evening, it stages a football match unlike any in World Cup history: involving a country engaged in a military conflict with the host nation until a day before the game. Iran face New Zealand on Monday while a peace deal between Iran and USA was agreed on Sunday.
The deal notwithstanding, Iranian players will cross over into the US from their base in Mexico’s Tijuana the day before their games, play the match, and return to Mexico the same night. These are the logistics of war, in a tournament built for peace.
“I’ve been to three World Cups and they always say, once you get off the plane and enter the host country, there’s just a unique atmosphere of friendliness and globalness,” striker Mehdi Taremi, who will play in his third World Cup, said from Tijuana last week. “Unfortunately, I’m not feeling it right now. There’s a lot of tension. You feel it in the atmosphere.”
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