2026 WorldIran Come Back From Early New Zealand Lead To Draw 2-2 In Hotly Contested Opener
ISTANBUL, June 16 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Iran came back from an early New Zealand lead to draw 2-2 on Monday in their Group G match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at SoFi Stadium in the US, Anadolu Ajansi reported.
New Zealand took the early lead in the seventh minute when Elijah Just fired a volley into the net despite Iran starting the game on the front foot.
While New Zealand were looking to double their lead, Iran’s push after the hydration break led to their equaliser by Ramin Rezaeian, flicking it over the goalkeeper, in the 32nd minute.
With the game level going into the second half, both teams were looking to take the lead.
Once again, Just stepped up, this time with a slide pass from Chris Wood into the net, putting the All Whites ahead in the 54th minute.
It did not take too long for the Iranian equaliser. A brilliant cross by Rezaeian is finished off with Mohammed Mohebbi’s header in the 64th minute to level the game after a 10-minute New Zealand lead.
As a result of the game, Iran finished top of Group G, while New Zealand were second.
-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU
