Iran and New Zealand drew 2-2 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G opener at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Monday, leaving both teams with one point.
Elijah just scored twice for New Zealand, but Iran answered through Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi before a crowd of 70,108.
The result denied New Zealand a first World Cup win. Iran secured a point after months of uncertainty over its participation and a late training-base switch from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, amid visa tensions with the United States.
US authorities had refused visas for several members of Iran’s delegation before the tournament. Iran still opened its campaign in Los Angeles, one of the host cities for the expanded 48-team World Cup.
Elsewhere, on Monday, Cape Verde held Spain to a 0-0 draw in Atlanta in one of the tournament’s early shocks. Spain had 74% possession but failed to break down the World Cup debutants.
Read: Belgium, Egypt Draw 1-1 in World Cup Group G Opener
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha said “the dream came true” after his side competed against “one of the best teams in the world.” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said his team remained calm despite the opening setback.
Belgium and Egypt also drew 1-1 in Group G in Seattle, while Uruguay and Saudi Arabia finished 1-1 in Group H in Miami.
