Iran's Mohammad Mohebbi (8), second right, scores his side's second goal during the World Cup Group G match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, on June 15, 2026
| Photo Credit: AP
Iran opened its politically charged World Cup by playing to a 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday night (June 15, 2026), overcoming two deficits and getting the tying goal from Mohammad Mohebbi in the 64th minute.Ramin Rezaeian scored an early goal and assisted on Mohebbi's goal for the Iranians, whose World Cup cycle has been in upheaval since the U.S. and Israel began a war against Iran on February 28. Iran ultimately decided to compete even after FIFA rejected its request to move its three group-stage matches out of the U.S.FIFA World Cup 2026: Iran vs New Zealand HIGHLIGHTSIran moved its training base during the tournament from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, and the team is flying into the U.S. on the day before each game, before returning quickly to Mexico. Captain Mehdi Taremi acknowledged that this World Cup has been a difficult experience containing little of the joy that football represents to him and his teammates.
Iran fans celebrate after the match against New Zealand
