Iran began their FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in Group G, sharing the points in a match played amid off-field controversies and heavy discussion surrounding the team.
Ahead of the tournament, Iran had been in the spotlight due to tensions with the United States, visa complications, and the relocation of their base camp from Mexico. The team eventually arrived in Los Angeles from Mexico ahead of their opening group match.
Protests were held outside SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles before kickoff. Videos circulating online showed demonstrators chanting slogans including “President Trump, get it done!” and “No more Islamic Republic.”
FIFA also confirmed that the display of pre-revolution Iranian flags was prohibited under stadium regulations for the World Cup. According to The Athletic, the restriction was upheld following a last-minute hearing held in Los Angeles on Monday.
On the pitch, New Zealand made a surprise start. They took the lead in the 7th minute through Elijah Just, despite being ranked 85th in the FIFA rankings.
Iran responded with pressure after falling behind. Mehdi Taremi came close to equalizing in the 24th minute when his powerful shot struck the crossbar, with better options available to teammates in space.
Their equalizer arrived in the 32nd minute, when defender Ramin Rezaeian scored from inside the box to level the match at 1-1.
New Zealand regained the lead in the 54th minute as Elijah Just scored his second goal of the game. However, their advantage was short-lived.
In the 64th minute, Mohammad Mohebbi restored parity for Iran with a well-placed header from a cross delivered by Rezaeian, making it 2-2.
Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but neither side could find a decisive goal, and the match ended in a draw.
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