Iran rallies twice to draw 2-2 with New Zealand in politically charged World Cup opener
In a match overshadowed by geopolitical tensions, Iran fought back twice to draw 2-2 with New Zealand in the Group G opener at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Early blows and fightback
New Zealand striker Elijah Just stunned Iran in the 7th minute, finishing a counter-attack orchestrated by captain Chris Wood. Iran nearly equalized when Mehdi Taremi hit the post in the 23rd minute, but it was wingback Ramin Rezaeian who levelled in the 32nd, pouncing after a build-up. A VAR check for a potential Iran penalty earlier went unrewarded.
Political shadows loom large
The match was overshadowed by months of war between Iran and co-host USA. Iran's participation was only secured after the team moved its training camp to Mexico when 11 officials were denied visas. Outside SoFi Stadium, hundreds of Iranian-Americans protested against the Islamic Republic, while inside the 70,108 crowd waved pre-revolutionary lion and sun flags, defying FIFA's ban on political symbols. The Iranian anthem drew a mix of boos and cheers.
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Second-half swings
Just restored New Zealand's lead in the 54th minute, again assisted by Wood. But Iran struck back ten minutes later: Rezaeian delivered a cross from deep on the right and Mohammad Mohebi steered it in off the post. The goal, praised for its incisiveness, brought the teams level for good.
Group G balanced
Earlier, Belgium and Egypt had drawn 1-1, leaving all four Group G teams on one point. Iran next faces Belgium on 21 June, while New Zealand meets Egypt. Iran captain Mehdi Taremi acknowledged the rare joy the match provided, and the result keeps both nations in contention.
