Match Summary · Iran · FIFA World Cup 2026 · Football · International · World Cup · IR Iran · New Zealand · Elijah Just · Chris Wood · Ramin Rezaeian
| Metric | IR Iran | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 47% | 53% |
| Shots | 17 | 13 |
| Shots on target | 4 | 8 |
| Shots off target | 8 | 2 |
| Corners | 4 | 1 |
| Fouls | 10 | 8 |
| Yellow cards | 1 | 0 |
| Red cards | 0 | 0 |
| Offsides | 2 | 0 |
| Goalkeeper saves | 6 | 2 |
New Zealand set the tone early when Elijah Just made it 0-1 at 6'41'', with Chris Wood supplying the assist. In an interview-style back-and-forth on the pitch, IR Iran had their answer ready: Ramin Rezaeian levelled at 31'48'' to make it 1-1.
The second half followed the same script. New Zealand regained the lead at 54'00'' - again Just, again set up by Wood - and again IR Iran refused to blink. Mohammad Mohebbi headed in the 2-2 equaliser at 63'05'', with Rezaeian turning provider.
The numbers underline the swing of the night: New Zealand led shots on target 8-4 and edged possession 53-47%, yet could not turn that control into a winning result. The draw also leaves New Zealand without a World Cup win in seven attempts (D4, L3).
Off the pitch, a report says IR Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei described his team as the most oppressed at the tournament, with the build-up impacted by conflict involving Iran and the US.