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Iran came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening Group G match at the 2026 World Cup, denying the Kiwis victory after the Oceania side had twice taken the lead.
New Zealand made a dream start at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, taking the lead in the seventh minute with their first meaningful attack. Goalkeeper Max Crocombe launched a long ball toward captain Chris Wood, who cleverly laid it off for Just to volley past Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
The goal came against the run of play, with Iran having started the brighter side. The Asian team gradually took control of midfield possession and nearly equalized in the 22nd minute when Mehdi Taremi's long-range effort struck the post.
Iran's pressure eventually paid off in the 31st minute. After a blocked shot by Shahriar Moghanloo, defender Ramin Rezaeian reacted quickest to the loose ball and curled a superb trivela finish into the net to make it 1-1.
Iran thought they had taken the lead deep into first-half stoppage time when Ali Nemati headed home from a free kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.
The second half followed a similar pattern. New Zealand regained the lead in the 55th minute through another combination involving Wood and Just. A quick one-two between the pair sent Just through on goal, and the winger calmly finished across Beiranvand for his second goal of the match.
Iran responded again, continuing to dominate possession and create chances. Their persistence was rewarded in the 64th minute when Saman Ghoddos delivered an early cross into the box and Mohammad Mohebi found space to head into the bottom corner for the equalizer.
The remainder of the match saw Iran push for a winner while New Zealand looked to exploit Wood's hold-up play on the counterattack. Mohebi came close to completing a brace of his own, while New Zealand goalkeeper Crocombe was called into action on several occasions.
Neither side could find a decisive third goal, and the match ended 2-2 after five minutes of added time.
The result leaves Group G finely balanced after Belgium and Egypt also played out a 1-1 draw in the group's other opening fixture.
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