Iran vs New Zealand World Cup 2026: Final Score and Group G Standings

 Iran vs New Zealand World Cup 2026 Result:

Iran and New Zealand produced one of the most dramatic matches of the group stage, drawing 2-2 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 15 in a thriller that swung back and forth until the final minutes.

Elijah Just gave New Zealand the lead in the 7th minute with a composed volley, before Ramin Rezaeian equalised for Iran in the 32nd minute by poking home after a fortunate rebound. Just scored again 10 minutes into the second half to restore New Zealand’s lead, before Rezaeian’s cross from the right found Mohammad Mohebbi, who guided a header in off the post to make it 2-2 in the 64th minute.

The result was made all the more remarkable by the extraordinary off-field obstacles Iran had overcome just to play at the tournament. Iran faced the threat of being unable to participate after the United States and Israel began a war with their country in February, were forced to change training venues from the US to Mexico due to visa issues, and still had 11 non-playing officials blocked from entering the country for their matches.

Iran vs New Zealand Match Info

• Round: Group G, Matchday 1
• Date: Monday, June 15, 2026
• Result: Iran 2-2 New Zealand
• Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Los Angeles
• TV: FS1 / Telemundo (USA)

Group G Standings After This Match: All four teams level on 1 point : Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand.

Iran vs New Zealand Squad Value Comparison

Iran arrived with Mehdi Taremi as their captain and main attacking threat, backed by a squad built largely from European lower league and domestic league talent. New Zealand by contrast brought Chris Wood and a young squad making only their second World Cup appearance in 16 years.

The match reflected the genuine competitiveness between the two sides, with New Zealand creating more clear-cut chances but Iran showing the resilience to fight back twice and earn a point their determination deserved. Squad values sourced from Transfermarkt.

Iran vs New Zealand Key Players

Iran: Ramin Rezaeian : The right-back was Iran’s most influential player, scoring the equaliser in the first half and setting up the second with a perfectly weighted cross for Mohebbi’s header. His contributions from right-back were the defining moments of Iran’s comeback performance.

New Zealand: Elijah Just : The Motherwell midfielder scored twice on his World Cup debut, first with a composed volley in the 7th minute and again with a clinical finish rounding off a flowing team move in the 54th minute. His performance announced him as one of the tournament’s most exciting breakout players from outside the traditional football powerhouses.

Iran vs New Zealand Prize Money at Stake

Both sides earned one point from a match either could have won, keeping their Group G knockout hopes alive alongside Belgium and Egypt who also drew 1-1 on the same day. Group G entered Matchday 2 as the most unpredictable group in the tournament, with all four teams level on one point and everything still to play for.

For New Zealand, a draw against Iran represented a significant step in their ambition to reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history. See the full Iran prize money breakdown and New Zealand prize money breakdown on SportsMoneyWire.

Iran vs New Zealand FAQ

What was the Iran vs New Zealand World Cup 2026 result? Iran and New Zealand drew 2-2 in a thrilling Group G opener on June 15 at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles.

Who scored in Iran vs New Zealand World Cup 2026? Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand in the 7th and 54th minutes. Ramin Rezaeian scored in the 32nd minute and Mohammad Mohebbi equalised in the 64th minute for Iran.

What group are Iran and New Zealand in? Both sides compete in Group G at the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Belgium and Egypt.