Iran 2-2 New Zealand – Group stage, Group G result

The clash between Iran and New Zealand took place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, Group G. Both sides arrived seeking three points, but the match unfolded into a lively four-goal encounter that ended in a level scoreline.

How it unfolded

New Zealand opened the scoring early, just seven minutes in, when Elijah Just finished a right-footed shot from the centre of the box into the high centre of the net. The move was set up by a precise pass from Chris Wood, giving the visitors an immediate advantage.

Iran responded before the half-hour mark, with Ramin Rezaeian restoring parity at the 32nd minute. Rezaeian’s right-footed strike from the centre of the box found the bottom left corner, silencing the home crowd and bringing the teams level at 1-1.

The deadlock was short-lived. Six minutes after the restart, Elijah Just struck again for New Zealand. Taking the ball from the right side of the box, he placed a right-footed shot into the centre of the goal, again assisted by Chris Wood after a swift counter-attack. The visitors reclaimed the lead, 2-1, and looked to consolidate their advantage.

Iran’s comeback came ten minutes later. Mohammad Mohebbi headed home from the centre of the box, directing the ball into the bottom left corner. The assist came from Ramin Rezaeian, who delivered a cross that found Mohebbi’s head. The equaliser at the 64th minute restored balance at 2-2 and set the tone for a tense final phase.

In the closing moments, Iran’s Ehsan Hajsafi was cautioned for a bad foul, receiving a yellow card in the 89th minute. No further incidents altered the scoreline, and the match concluded with both sides sharing the points.

Standout performers

  • Elijah Just (New Zealand) – two goals (7’, 54’) and two assists from Chris Wood, the decisive attacking threat for the visitors.
  • Chris Wood (New Zealand) – provided the assist for both of Just’s strikes, showcasing his vision and link-up play.
  • Ramin Rezaeian (Iran) – scored at 32’ and supplied the cross that led to Mohammad Mohebbi’s header, contributing both a goal and an assist.
  • Mohammad Mohebbi (Iran) – headed the equaliser in the 64th minute, demonstrating aerial prowess inside the box.

Match facts

  • Final score: Iran 2-2 New Zealand
  • Scorers:
    • Elijah Just (New Zealand) – 7’, 54’ (assisted by Chris Wood)
    • Ramin Rezaeian (Iran) – 32’
    • Mohammad Mohebbi (Iran) – 64’ (assisted by Ramin Rezaeian)
  • Bookings: Ehsan Hajsafi (Iran) – yellow card, 89’
  • Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California

What it means

The 2-2 draw leaves both Iran and New Zealand with a point each as they continue their campaigns in Group G of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Each side will look to build on the positives and address the areas that kept them from securing a win.