INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA June 15, 2026 – In a pulsating Group G encounter at SoFi Stadium, Iran staged a resilient comeback to earn a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in both teams’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The result capped a remarkable day of football where every group-stage match ended level — a rare occurrence not seen in 64 years.
New Zealand, making their first World Cup appearance since 2010, took an early lead in the 7th minute through Elijah Just. The All Whites doubled their advantage in the 54th minute when Just struck again, seemingly putting the underdogs in control.
However, Iran responded with characteristic fight. Ramin Rezaeian pulled one back in the 32nd minute, and Mohammad Mohebbi leveled the score in the 64th minute, sending the large Iranian diaspora crowd at SoFi Stadium into raptures. The Persians dominated large spells of possession and created more chances, but New Zealand’s organized defense and clinical finishing kept the contest balanced until the final whistle.
Attendance reached 70,108 at the iconic venue, with passionate support for both sides, including notable displays from Iranian fans.
A Historic Day of Draws
The Iran-New Zealand thriller followed earlier results that defined an extraordinary day in the tournament:
- Spain 0-0 Cape Verde: European champions Spain were held to a stunning goalless draw by debutants Cape Verde in Atlanta. The 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha starred with a string of heroic saves as the island nation celebrated one of the biggest shocks in recent World Cup history.
- Belgium 1-1 Egypt: In Seattle, Egypt took the lead through a stunning long-range strike from Emam Ashour, but Belgium equalized via an own goal from Mohamed Hany (assisted by pressure from substitute Romelu Lukaku).
With Saudi Arabia-Uruguay also finishing 1-1, every match on the day ended in a draw — the first such occurrence in World Cup group stage play since 1962.
Group G Standings After Matchday 1
- Belgium: 1 pt (GD 0)
- Egypt: 1 pt (GD 0)
- Iran: 1 pt (GD 0)
- New Zealand: 1 pt (GD 0)
Both Iran and New Zealand will view this as a missed opportunity for three points but a valuable point gained against tough competition. Iran next faces Belgium, while New Zealand takes on Egypt.
The match highlighted the expanded 48-team format’s magic: smaller nations like New Zealand and Cape Verde proving they belong on the biggest stage, delivering excitement and unpredictability from the outset.
What’s next? The World Cup continues with more Group G and H action as teams battle for advancement in the largest tournament ever.
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