Iran drew their World Cup opener with New Zealand but emphatically won the support of the Iranian community inside SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, having overcome unprecedented obstacles just to play at these finals.

The Iranians twice battled back for a 2-2 outcome.

Iran will next return to Los Angeles to face Belgium on Jun 21 when New Zealand take on Egypt in Vancouver.

Los Angeles : Iran secured a hard-fought 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their opening World Cup match on Monday, in a thrilling contest played against

Iran fought back twice to earn a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match on Monday, with goals from Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi cancelling out Elijah Just's brace in an entertaining Group G encounter.

Iran opened its politically charged World Cup by playing to a 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday night, overcoming two deficits and getting the tying goal from Mohammad Mohebbi in the 64th minute. Ramin Rezaeian scored an early goal and assisted on Mohebbi's goal for the Iranians, whose World…