Iran fight back for World Cup draw against New Zealand amid controversy

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleIran drew their World Cup 2026 opener against New Zealand 2-2 in Los Angeles, overcoming significant pre-match challenges and gaining strong support from the Iranian diaspora. Elijah Just scored both goals for the All Whites, putting New Zealand ahead twice, first in the seventh minute and then ten minutes into the second half. Iran equalised through Ramin Rezaeian in the 32nd minute and Mohammad Mohebbi, who headed in the second equaliser after Rezaeian's cross. The match was played amidst controversy, including a ban on Iran’s pre-revolutionary 'Lion and Sun' flag, which was still displayed by fans, and the team faced visa issues and officials being blocked from entering the US. Despite some booing of the anthem by the Los Angeles Iranian community, fans largely rallied behind the team, distinguishing them from the current Iranian regime. In fullResilient Iran defy World Cup obstacles to salvage draw against New ZealandThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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