Elia scored both New Zealand goals in both halves. Rezaian and Mohebi equalized for Iran in the seventh group match.
Published on June 16, 2026
Iran came from behind twice Draw 2-2 With New Zealand in a thrilling World Cup match at Los Angeles Stadium, where protests against the Tehran government and the peace agreement signed to end the US-Iran war formed a fraught backdrop to the match.
A heavy security presence and protests outside the stadium were among the off-field concerns surrounding the match on Monday.
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When New Zealand took an early lead through Elijah Gast’s shot from inside the penalty area, after a pass from Chris Wood, some fans critical of the Iranian government celebrated with New Zealand supporters.
Many of these anti-regime spectators also carried the Iranian lion and sun flag before the Islamic Revolution, which is against FIFA rules. Many also booed the Iranian national anthem before kick-off.
But most of the crowd of more than 70,000 people showed up firmly behind the Iranian team, chanting “Er-Run! Er-Run!” It broke out when Ramin Rezaian equalized just after the half-hour mark.
Rezaian, one of several Iranian players who have not played club football since February after the domestic league was suspended amid US and Israeli air strikes, was quick to react to a blocked shot and slot the ball past the advancing goalkeeper.
Wood and Jost combined again early in the second half, with the New Zealand skipper sliding a precise pass into the path of the 26-year-old striker before Jost scored to restore the All Whites’ lead.
Iran responded 10 minutes later with a stunning goal by Mohammad Mohebi, who headed in a perfect cross from Rezaian into the far net to make the score 2-2.
A draw means all teams in Group G have one point after that Belgium tied with Egypt 1-1 Earlier on Monday.
New Zealand, making its third appearance in the tournament, are yet to win the World Cup after seven matches. Iran is looking forward to reaching the second round for the first time.
The match exposed clear divisions among Iranian-American fans, many of whom said they felt torn between pride in seeing Iran on the biggest stage in sports, anger at Tehran’s crackdown on protesters, and concern about Washington’s bombing campaign.
Before the match kicked off, between 300 and 500 demonstrators gathered outside the stadium, waving anti-government banners and flags.
Some Iranian Americans said attending the game would imply support for the Iranian government, while others said they wanted to put politics aside and support the players.
Iran will then return to Los Angeles to face Belgium on Sunday when New Zealand plays Egypt in Vancouver.
