IRN vs NZL, World Cup 2026: Iran and New Zealand share spoils after box-office 2-2 thriller - Action in Images

Elijah Just's brace helped New Zealand, ranked 85th in the world, earn an impressive 2-2 draw against 20th-ranked Iran in their Group G opener.

Published on: Jun 16, 2026 9:25 AM IST

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Iran fought back from behind on two occasions to earn a hard-fought 2-2 draw against New Zealand in a gripping World Cup encounter at Los Angeles Stadium. (AP Photo)

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After months of uncertainty surrounding their participation in the tournament following the war in the Middle East, all eyes were on the Iranians as they took on the New Zealanders in Group G at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium. (AP Photo)

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New Zealand took an early lead when Elijah Just volleyed home from inside the box after being set up by Chris Wood. (REUTERS)

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Ramin Rezaeian showed sharp instincts inside the box, reacting first after an initial effort was blocked and scrambling the ball past the advancing goalkeeper to bring Iran back on level terms. (REUTERS)

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New Zealand regained the advantage shortly after the restart, with Chris Wood threading a perfectly weighted through ball into the path of Elijah Just, who took full advantage and fired an emphatic finish beyond the goalkeeper. (AP Photo)

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Iran found their equaliser 10 minutes later through Mohammad Mohebi, who rose highest to meet Ramin Rezaeian's inviting delivery and guided a superb header in off the far post. (AP Photo)

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Iran defender Ali Nemati thought he had scored in first-half stoppage time, but his header from a free kick was comfortably offside. (AP Photo)