The Iranian national football team played out a 2–2 draw against New Zealand in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
Following a 1–1 draw between Egypt and Belgium in the other Group G fixture, Iran had a golden opportunity to claim the top spot in the group with a victory. However, they squandered this monumental, historic chance to secure what would have been their first-ever pole position in a World Cup group stage, failing to defeat a New Zealand side widely considered the weakest opponent Iran has ever faced in the history of the tournament.
Despite falling behind twice, the Iranian squad maintained distinct tactical and territorial superiority throughout the match. New Zealand's two goals were largely the byproduct of a glaringly weak performance by Shojae Khalilzadeh in the heart of Iran's defense, alongside his persistent inability to contain New Zealand star Chris Wood.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei fielded Iran in a starting lineup featuring Alireza Beiranvand, Shojae Khalilzadeh, Ali Nemati, Milad Mohammadi, Arya Yousefi, Ramin Rezaeian, Saeid Ezatolahi, Mohammad Mohebi, Saman Ghoddos, Mehdi Taremi, and Shahriyar Moghanlou. Meanwhile, New Zealand began the match with Max Crocombe, Michael Boxall, Finn Surman, Tim Payne, Liberato Cacace, Joe Bell, Marko Stamenic, Sarpreet Singh, Eli Just, Callum McCowatt, and Chris Wood.
