Iran 2-2 New Zealand Analysis: Elijah Just’s Double, Rezaeian’s Answer and Why Neither Side Could Hold the Lead
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G opener between Iran and New Zealand finished 2-2 at Los Angeles Stadium after a match where neither side could maintain a lead. Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand in the 7th and 55th minutes, while Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi equalized for Iran in the 32nd and 64th minutes respectively. Despite Iran taking more total shots, New Zealand’s direct approach through Chris Wood created the clearer chances in a game defined by defensive vulnerabilities from both teams.
