Iran and New Zealand draw 2-2: Just's brace and Iran's reply in Inglewood
Elijah Just scored twice, but Rezaeian and Mohebi rescued Iran in a thrilling 2-2 Group G clash at SoFi Stadium.
Iran and New Zealand served up one of the most entertaining matches of Group G's opening round with a 2-2 that felt fair. The spectacle unfolded at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood (USA), the futuristic 70,492-seat venue in the Los Angeles area, one of the most modern, tech-laden stadiums of this 2026 World Cup, its enormous circular screen an unmistakable trademark.
The Kiwis struck first and twice through Elijah Just. In the 7th minute, the forward put New Zealand ahead after an assist from Chris Wood, and repeated the partnership in the 54th, again teed up by Wood, to complete his brace and a 1-2 that had Iran on the ropes.
But the Persian side responded with character. Ramin Rezaeian had levelled temporarily in the 32nd minute for 1-1, and was decisive again when he assisted Mehdi Mohebi in the 64th, as Iran's attack sealed the final 2-2. Late on, Ehsan Hajsafi was booked in the 89th minute, the only card of the night.
Iran, coached by Amir Ghalenoei, lined up in a 4-4-2 with Alireza Beiranvand in goal and Mehdi Taremi as the attacking focal point. New Zealand built around their captain and goalscorer Chris Wood, with Max Crocombe between the posts, and it was the Wood-Just duo that came closest to winning it for the All Whites.
The draw leaves Group G very tight: both teams take a point that tastes like too little for New Zealand, who led twice, and like gold for an Iran that showed plenty of firepower to fight for a spot at a 48-team 2026 World Cup spread across the United States, Mexico and Canada.