Iran 2-2 New Zealand: Five key takeaways from FIFA World Cup 2026 clash

Iran came from behind twice to record a draw against New Zealand.

Iran opened their politically fraught 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2-2 tie against New Zealand on Monday night. They overturned two deficits and scored the tying goal in the 64th minute through Mohammad Mohebbi.

Elijah Just scored early in each half for New Zealand, but Iran answered twice to maintain the All Whites’ winless record in World Cup history. After matching their entire goal total from each of their two previous World Cup runs, New Zealand achieved an amazing result against a side ranked 65 places higher by FIFA.

Also read: When was last time FOUR FIFA World Cup matches ended in draws on a matchday?

Five key takeaways:

5. Elijah Just is the first Motherwell player to score at the World Cup

Elijah Just became the first Motherwell FC player to record a goal in a World Cup. Less than an hour later, he became the first Motherwell player to score twice in the World Cup.

He earned his senior international debut for New Zealand in late 2019. He currently has 11 career goals for the national team, five of which came in World Cup qualifiers and two against Iran on Monday.

Eli Just becomes our all-time top goal scorer at a FIFA World Cup 🏆 pic.twitter.com/8RjLAHfxD8

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) June 16, 2026

4. Iran put up a brilliant performance despite enduring pre-World Cup problems

Iran played brilliantly, coming back twice in the contest. It all boils down to how the national team was treated before their first World Cup game. They were denied a visa by the United States since their first match was in Los Angeles.

Furthermore, they had to train in Mexico after the United States barred them from entering the nation. They will also have to leave the country once they have completed their games on the same day.

3. Michael Boxall, the oldest New Zealand player at the World Cup

Michael Boxall, 37, made history this summer, becoming the oldest New Zealand player at the World Cup. He is also a crucial experienced anchor for his nation’s World Cup roster. Boxall’s path to the competition demonstrates his endurance and leadership.

He scored his first international goal in the OFC World Cup qualification final. It was the game-winner and secured New Zealand’s place in the tournament.

Also read: Who is New Zealand’s oldest player at FIFA World Cup?

2. New Zealand are still looking for a World Cup win

In Los Angeles, New Zealand managed a thrilling 2-2 draw. Elijah recently became the first New Zealand player to score multiple goals.

However, despite the tie, New Zealand remain in search of their first World Cup triumph. Darren Bazeley’s side won all five qualifying matches, scoring 29 goals and conceding just once, to take full advantage of the Oceania conference’s guaranteed position in this year’s tournament. But following a 2-2 draw in the opening World Cup, it leaves them still looking for a win in the competition.

Matchday 5's last game also finishes with a draw 👀FT: Iran 2-2 New Zealand#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/prGTZbJ9pK

— Khel Now World Football (@KhelNowWF) June 16, 2026

1. Elijah Just first New Zealand player to score a brace at the World Cup

Just scored two goals at SoFi Stadium. It made him the first New Zealander in World Cup history to do it. The forward also became their all-time top scorer in the competition’s history.

The 26-year-old began the World Cup with nine career international goals for New Zealand. But none were more significant than the two he produced with the chance to lead Group G.

Also read: Who is Elijah Just? New Zealand’s first two-goal scorer in single World Cup match

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