See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy ISABEL BALDWIN, US ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Updated: 03:52 BST, 16 June 2026
Follow Daily Mail Sport's live coverage as Iran get their World Cup campaign underway against New Zealand in politically-charged game in Los Angeles against a backdrop of tense protests and US conflict. SUBSTITUTION: Iran 2-2 New ZealandAnd that is pretty much Payne's last involvement in the game. The veteran makes way for Callan Elliot after putting in a shift against Iran’s attacking pace. OFF: Tim PayneON: Callan ElliotTim Payne controls the danger zone as Mehdi Ghayedi looks to sprint past him and into sight of goal. The New Zealand defender wins the ball before going to ground to earn a free kick. SUBSTITUTION: Iran 2-2 New Zealand New Zealand make their first substitutions just before the hydration break. ON: Ryan Thomas and Ben OldOFF: Callum McCowatt and Liberato CacaceTehrangelesFun fact, Los Angeles is home to the largest population of Iranian immigrants and Iranian-Americans in the world outside of Iran itself, numbering between 500,000 and 600,000. As such, the community, deeply rooted in the greater Los Angeles area, spanning Westwood, Beverly Hills, and the San Fernando Valley, has become known as Tehrangeles. So, what better destination for Iran's opening World Cup game.After that equalizer, Tehrangeles is bound to be rocking!Jubilation takes overNICK PISA IN LOS ANGELES: If the Iranian fans with pre revolution flags before the game said they wouldn’t celebrate they appeared to have put that behind them as there were jubilant scenes when Iran levelled again. Again, the noise was noticeably louder than when New Zealand had taken the lead twice earlier in the match and the crowd continued to back Iran in what was a pulsating match. GOAL! Iran 2-2 New ZealandThe answer? Yes, they can. They very much can. Iran hit back less than ten minutes later, drawing level for a second time and spoiling the Kiwis' party. The ball is played wide right to Iran's first goalscorer Ramin Rezaeian. Instead of finding the net himself this time, he plays to Mohammad Mohebbi with a sensational delivery from the right wing. Mohebbi is ready to pounce, powering a header at goal. The ball ricochets in off the inside of the post. And we're level in Los Angeles. GOAL! Iran 1-2 New ZealandJust like the first half, it's another beautifully worked goal for the Kiwis. courtesy of the Wood-Just partnership. It's Wood with the slide pass to Just who produces the lofted finish over Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.Take a bow, Elijah Just. A brace on the World Cup stage, not too shabby. Not too shabby at all. Let's not get carried away now, though. There's still long left to play. Can the All Whites cling on for their first ever win at a World Cup? Or, can Iran spoil the party?Iran 1-1 New ZealandThe second half picks up right where the first left off: Full of action. New Zealand pick out Chris Wood in a dangerous area then Iran quickly launch a counterattack. A moment later the ball is back with Wood to take a speculative shot from outside the box. Not a moment of rest! Settle in folks and enjoy the ride. SECOND HALF: Iran 1-1 New ZealandIran begin the second half with a change. Forward Mehdi Ghayedi, who plays his club football in Dubai with Al-Nasr, comes on for Arya Yousefi.And we're back underway!New Zealanders find their voicesIt's not only the Iranian fans who are in fine form. The New Zealanders are also bringing the party to Los Angeles, finding their voice at halftime. The Haka is out in full force. You love to see it. WATCH: Rezaeian claws one back with cute finishRezaeian claimed Iran's first game of the 2026 World Cup with a very neat finish indeed. He kept his composure when he suddenly found himself with the ball in the box. He flicked it with the outside of his right boot, leaving Crocombe with no chance.Chaos outside the stadium While inside the stands the atmosphere appears civilized, if not peaceful, outside the stadium tells a different picture.
