New Zealand Draws 2-2 with Iran, World Cup Historic First Win Waits

In a 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G match held in Los Angeles, New Zealand faced Iran in their pursuit of a historic first World Cup victory. Despite taking the lead twice through goals from Elijah Just, New Zealand was unable to hold on as Iran equalized on both occasions, resulting in a 2-2 draw. The All Whites’ long-awaited maiden World Cup win will have to wait for another day.

New Zealand has qualified for the World Cup finals twice before—in 1982 and 2010. In 1982, they suffered three consecutive losses in the group stage and were eliminated. In 2010, they drew all three group matches but failed to advance due to insufficient points.

Coincidentally, all four matches played today—Spain vs. Cape Verde, Belgium vs. Egypt, Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay, and the recently concluded New Zealand vs. Iran—ended in draws, a rare occurrence in World Cup history.

Nicknamed the 'All Whites,' New Zealand started aggressively. Just seven minutes into the game, a long goal kick from the goalkeeper found Chris Wood, who quickly laid it off to Elijah Just inside the box. Just fired a right-footed shot into the net, giving New Zealand an early 1-0 lead.

Iran responded by shifting tactics and increasing pressure. In the 32nd minute, Shahriyar Moghanlou’s shot was blocked, but the rebound fell to Ramin Rezaeian, who calmly slotted it home to level the score at 1-1.

In the second half, New Zealand regained the lead when Just drove forward, combined with Wood with a short pass, and then received the ball back before smashing a powerful right-footed shot into the net, making it 2-1.

However, Iran refused to give up. Ten minutes later, Rezaeian delivered a high cross from the right flank, and Mohammad Mohebi headed it in to equalize at 2-2. The score remained unchanged until the final whistle.

At 26 years old, Elijah Just became the first player in New Zealand’s World Cup history to score two goals in a single match. (Edited by Lin Shu-Hui)