Iran, New Zealand play to 2-2 draw to keep Group G tied up with 1 point apiece

New Zealand twice took the lead against Iran on Monday with a chance to seize control of Group G in the 2026 World Cup debut for both teams. But Iran rallied twice to equalize, and the two teams played to a 2-2 draw to keep things level in the Group G standings.

Belgium and Egypt played to a 1-1 draw earlier Monday, and all four teams will leave their first game in World Cup play with one point apiece in the standings. In fact, the nightcap between Iran and New Zealand completed a Monday quadruple-header at the World Cup with no winners or losers.

Cape Verde stunned powerhouse Spain in a 0-0 draw, and Uruguay rallied late to play Saudi Arabia to a 1-1 draw earlier Monday to keep Group H level in the standings.

Elijah Just brace paces New Zealand

Elijah Just struck first for New Zealand with the first of his two goals on a sensational leaping kick off a pass from Chris Wood in the seventh minute from the middle of the box.

Iran equalized 24 minutes later when Ramin Rezaeian broke through traffic in the box to sneak the ball past New Zealand goaltender Max Crocombe.

Then, in the second half, Just scored again on another assist from Wood, this time off an Iran turnover at midfield.

But New Zealand's joy and chance at taking control of Group G was short-lived.

Mohammad Mohebbi headed a cross-field pass from Rezaeian into the net in the 64th minute to tie the game again at 2-2.

Neither team scored again.

New Zealand secured a slight edge with 52% of the possession had more opportunities to score via an 8-4 advantage in shots on goal. But Iran's Alireza Beiranvand secured six saves to outplay his goaltending counterpart Crocombe, who stopped just two of the four shots he faced.

New Zealand will surely leave SoFi Stadium feeling that it missed an opportunity.

Iran makes World Cup debut amid war with host USA

Iran's participation in the World Cup at one point wasn't certain due to the nation's ongoing war with host USA.

But Monday's game took place amid protest outside of SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, which is home to the largest Iranian population in the world outside of Iran with roughly 230,00 Iranian-American residents.

The game carried on and the Iranian national anthem was played amid divergent views from Iran supporters over the country's participation.

Iran will next face Belgium on Sunday, again at SoFi Stadium.