IranvsNew Zealand

Iran and New Zealand drew 2–2. Goalscorers — Iran: Ramin Rezaeian 32', Mohammad Mohebbi 64'; New Zealand: Elijah Just 7', Elijah Just 54'.

Iran met New Zealand in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. It is one of the six matches in Group G, where the four sides each play three games and the top two advance directly to the Round of 32. With the eight best third-placed teams across the 12 groups also progressing, points here carry real weight from the opening whistle.

Iran go in ranked 21st in the FIFA World Ranking to New Zealand's 85th — a gap of 64 places that marks Iran out as clear favourites on paper. It is an inter-confederation meeting — Iran of AFC against New Zealand of OFC — the kind of contrast in styles the World Cup exists to stage.

Iran are the most successful Asian footballing nation in terms of World Cup appearances, with Team Melli known for their disciplined defensive organization and ability to compete against higher-ranked opponents. Iranian football produces technically skilled players, many of whom compete in the Persian Gulf leagues and increasingly in European football.

New Zealand are Oceania's strongest footballing nation alongside Australia, and the All Whites have been consistent contenders for the OFC's World Cup berth. New Zealand play a direct, physical style suited to their squad of players competing across the A-League, MLS, and lower European leagues.

Iran: Iran have appeared at six World Cups: 1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022. New Zealand: New Zealand have appeared at two World Cups: 1982 in Spain, where they lost all three group matches, and 2010 in South Africa, where they achieved the remarkable feat of going unbeaten, drawing all three group matches against Slovakia, Italy, and Paraguay.

The match is scheduled at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, United States. Kickoff is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 01:00 AM (09:00 PM ET).