Published on Jun 16, 2026 09:25 am IST
Elijah Just’s brace helped New Zealand, ranked 85th in the world, earn an impressive 2-2 draw against 20th-ranked Iran in their Group G opener.
1 / 7
View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jun 16, 2026 09:25 am IST
Iran fought back from behind on two occasions to earn a hard-fought 2-2 draw against New Zealand in a gripping World Cup encounter at Los Angeles Stadium.(AP Photo)
2 / 7
View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jun 16, 2026 09:25 am IST
After months of uncertainty surrounding their participation in the tournament following the war in the Middle East, all eyes were on the Iranians as they took on the New Zealanders in Group G at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium.(AP Photo)
3 / 7
View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jun 16, 2026 09:25 am IST
New Zealand took an early lead when Elijah Just volleyed home from inside the box after being set up by Chris Wood.(REUTERS)
4 / 7
View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jun 16, 2026 09:25 am IST
Ramin Rezaeian showed sharp instincts inside the box, reacting first after an initial effort was blocked and scrambling the ball past the advancing goalkeeper to bring Iran back on level terms.(REUTERS)
5 / 7
View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jun 16, 2026 09:25 am IST
New Zealand regained the advantage shortly after the restart, with Chris Wood threading a perfectly weighted through ball into the path of Elijah Just, who took full advantage and fired an emphatic finish beyond the goalkeeper.(AP Photo)
6 / 7
View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jun 16, 2026 09:25 am IST
Iran found their equaliser 10 minutes later through Mohammad Mohebi, who rose highest to meet Ramin Rezaeian’s inviting delivery and guided a superb header in off the far post.(AP Photo)
7 / 7
View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jun 16, 2026 09:25 am IST
