The Iran vs New Zealand encounter ended with Just’s brace cancelled out in a thrilling Group G draw as both teams shared the spoils at SoFi Stadium on Monday, June 15, 2026. Refereed by Cesar Arturo Ramos Palazuelos, the match was an end-to-end thriller with New Zealand leading twice before Team Melli fought back to level the score at 2-2.
Key Takeaways
- The two teams shared the spoils in a thrilling 2-2 draw during their Group G opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Elijah Just scored a brace for New Zealand, becoming the first player to score more than once in a single World Cup match for his nation.
- Ramin Rezaeian was named the top-rated player with a 9.3 Sofascore rating after scoring and providing an assist for Iran.
- The All Whites led twice through Just’s goals but could not hold on as Team Melli fought back to level the score at 2-2.
- Both teams are level on one point each after matchday one, with all four Group G sides sharing a goal difference of zero.
Match Highlights
Watch the best moments from Iran’s thrilling draw against New Zealand below.
How did the goals go in?
The scoring sequence for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G opener began with an early strike from Elijah Just, who opened the account for New Zealand in the seventh minute. The All Whites started fast and were clinical right from the off, as their first shot on target found the net.
Ramin Rezaeian equalised for Iran just before half-time, adding his goal in the thirty-second minute to give Team Melli hope heading into the break. The All Whites restored their lead after the restart when Elijah Just completed his brace with a second goal in the fifty-fourth minute.
Team Melli responded quickly to find a foothold in the game again, and Mohammad Mohebbi rescued the equaliser for Iran in the sixty-fourth minute, making it 2-2 at full time. Neither side could find a winner in a pulsating contest.
How did the match unfold?
New Zealand started fast and led early through Just’s seventh-minute strike. Iran responded well and levelled through Rezaeian just before the interval to make it 1-1. Just restored the All Whites’ lead at 2-1 shortly before the hour, but Iran refused to fold, and Mohebbi rescued a second equaliser on 64 minutes for a 2-2 draw that neither side could break.
Tactical overview
New Zealand displayed a high-intensity approach from the outset, relying on quick transitions to exploit Iran’s defensive lines early, with Wood providing crucial assists for Just’s goals. Their finishing was ruthless: Just converted both of his shots on target into goals.
Iran’s fightback
The team from the Middle East showed resilience in the second half. After falling behind twice, Team Melli increased their pressure and found a foothold in the game as the contest progressed, eventually securing the draw through Mohebbi’s late equaliser.
Match stats: Iran vs New Zealand
| Stat | Iran | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 48% | 52% |
| Shots on target | 4 | 8 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.50 | 1.24 |
| Saves | 6 | 2 |
| Fouls committed | 10 | 8 |
| Yellow cards | 1 | 0 |
| Red cards | 0 | 0 |
This was a tight, end-to-end contest. New Zealand had marginally more of the ball (52%) and were ruthless in front of goal, but it was Iran who shaded the expected-goals count (1.50 to 1.24). Iran’s goalkeeper was the busier of the two, making six saves to New Zealand’s two.
Why was this result notable?
Elijah Just became the first player to score more than once for New Zealand in a single FIFA World Cup match, and also the first ever Motherwell player to score at the men’s FIFA World Cup. Chris Wood provided multiple assists, becoming the first player to do so for his nation at the tournament.
The All Whites’ early sharpness was striking: they managed only three shots on target in their entire 2010 World Cup campaign, yet here they matched that total inside the first 30 minutes.
Standout Performers Breakdown
Two standout performers defined this pulsating contest, each delivering exceptional individual displays that kept their respective teams in the game.
| Player | Nation | Achievement in this match |
|---|---|---|
| Ramin Rezaeian | Iran | Scored a goal and provided an assist (9.3 Sofascore rating) |
| Elijah Just | New Zealand | Scored both of his shots on target for a brace (9.0 rating) |
| Chris Wood | New Zealand | Provided multiple assists in a World Cup match |
| Mohammad Mohebbi | Iran | Scored the crucial second equaliser for Team Melli |
Historical firsts at the 2026 World Cup
Ramin Rezaeian became the first player to score and assist in a single FIFA World Cup match for Iran, while Elijah Just’s brace made him the first New Zealand player ever to score more than once in a single World Cup game.
What does the result mean for Group G?
The opening round of Group G has produced an unprecedented scenario for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as all four competing nations share identical points and goal differences after their respective matches concluded. The other Group G match on the same day finished Belgium 1-1 Egypt.
After matchday one, all four Group G teams are level on one point each: Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand, all with a goal difference of zero.
Implications for both teams
The draw leaves New Zealand and Iran with one crucial point each as they head into the second phase of Group G fixtures. Because both teams have already faced each other, neither has a direct advantage over the other in their remaining group stages, which will now focus entirely on securing victories against Belgium and Egypt.
Key tactical takeaways
The tactical contrast between the two sides was stark throughout the ninety minutes. While New Zealand were more clinical in front of goal, converting both their shots on target into goals, Iran’s goalkeeper made six saves compared to just two for the All Whites’ keeper. The expected goals (xG) stats favored Iran slightly at 1.50 compared to New Zealand’s 1.24, suggesting that Team Melli created higher-quality chances even if they lacked the final touch in the first half.
Looking ahead
The All Whites and Team Melli will be eager to build on the confidence gained from this thrilling encounter as they look ahead to their remaining Group G fixtures. Meanwhile, Belgium and Egypt must regroup after their own draw against each other. The group remains incredibly wide open, with all four nations level on points and goal difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score?
The final score was a 2-2 draw between Iran and New Zealand in their Group G opener at SoFi Stadium on June 15, 2026.
Who scored for New Zealand?
Elijah Just scored both goals for the All Whites, opening the scoring in the seventh minute and restoring their lead in the fifty-fourth minute. Chris Wood provided assists for both of his strikes.
Who scored for Iran?
Ramin Rezaeian equalised for Team Melli in the thirty-second minute, and Mohammad Mohebbi rescued the second equaliser later in the sixty-fourth minute.
How does this result affect Group G?
After matchday one, all four Group G teams — Iran, New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt — are level on one point each with a goal difference of zero.
What records were broken in this match?
Elijah Just became the first player to score more than once for New Zealand in a single World Cup match, and also the first-ever Motherwell player to score at the men’s FIFA World Cup.
