Entertaining duel with New Zealand
Iran’s explosive start to the World Cup ends in a draw
Updated June 16, 2026 – 5:10 amReading time: 2 minutes
Due to the political conflict with the USA, Iran’s first game at the World Cup was particularly watched. After 90 exciting minutes, the focus was on sport.
La Ola wave, euphoric fans – but not a dream start: Iran’s footballers have fought for a point after much resistance and complicated preparation at the start of their politically charged World Cup participation. Coach Ali Ghalenoei’s Melli team drew 2-2 (1-1) with New Zealand in their opening game in Los Angeles.
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Elijah Just (7th, 55th) gave New Zealand the lead twice, but Ramin Rezaeian (32nd) and Mohammad Mohebi (65th) secured a draw for the Iranians, who were supported by tens of thousands of fans in the gigantic SoFi Stadium. The largest Iranian community outside of Iran lives in southern California.
Despite the ban by FIFA, numerous historical flags with a lion and sun motif, the country’s official flag until the Islamic Revolution in 1979, were also on display. During the anthem there were whistles from exiled Iranians after there had been protests against the regime in Tehran before the game.
Despite the circumstances, the Iranians are aiming to qualify for the knockout phase for the first time in their seventh World Cup participation. Other opponents in Group G are Belgium and Egypt, who previously drew 1-1. New Zealand, which remained unbeaten at the last World Cup in 2010, still has to wait for its first victory at a World Cup.
Iran had to struggle with some adversities before the start of the World Cup: the team headquarters had to be moved to Tijuana, Mexico, at short notice, and 15 delegation members were not granted a visa for the USA. According to the association, Iran’s allocated tickets for the group games were also withdrawn at short notice.
The team didn’t want to let this influence them too much. “We are here to play football. We are not political figures, coach Ghalenoei made it clear – but the start to the first game was extremely bad from a sporting perspective.
That’s how the game went
The Iranians started energetically, but received a cold shower: Just shot the ball under the crossbar after a lay-off from captain Chris Wood. The Iranians were now completely out of control defensively, Wood missed from close range to make it 2-0 (15th). But then the three-time Asian champion caught himself and the game became more open. Iran’s top attacker Mehdi Taremi (23rd) hit the post on a counterattack.