Iran have equalised to make it 1-1 against New Zealand in the second game in Group G at the 2026 World Cup. Elijah Just fired them into the lead in the seventh minute after superb hold-up play from Chris Wood. But the opening goal was cancelled out in the 33rd minute by Ramin Rezaeian 's equaliser.

Iran's World Cup team coach says it was ordered to leave the U.S. and return to its training base in Mexico only a few hours after opening its politically charged tournament with a draw.

Iran’s World Cup opener against New Zealand carried a political edge before kickoff, and some supporters found a creative way to make their point inside the stadium. The dispute centered on Iran’s pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag,

Controversy was stirred at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday with one player’s questionable celebration. In a 2-2 draw with New Zealan, Iran midfielder Mohammad Mohebi scored his country’s second goal and appeared to act out firing guns as his celebration Many on social media were outraged by the celebration and believed it to be made in reference to the ongoing war between the United States and Iran.

Rezaeian was the best player in the best match of this World Cup so far, twice bringing Iran back from behind in a thrilling end-to-end cliffhanger.

Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their World Cup opener but were seemingly forced to fly back to their Tijuana base after the game.

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei criticized tournament logistics after his team was ordered to return to Mexico immediately following a 2-2 FIFA World Cup draw with New Zealand, citing recovery and travel concerns.