At Los Angeles Stadium, Iran and New Zealand delivered an exciting match that ended in a 2-2 draw in the Group G stage of the 2026 World Cup. However, the intensity was not confined to the pitch, as protests against the Iranian government and U.S. airstrikes took place outside the venue.
The match saw New Zealand take the lead twice through a brace from Elijah Just. The forward capitalized on a Chris Wood assist to open the scoring in the first half. The duo then combined again in the second half to make it 2-1.
Iran equalized twice. First, Ramin Rezaeian leveled the score at 1-1 in the 30th minute after a rebound. Later, Mohammad Mohebbi headed home a precise cross from Rezaeian to seal the 2-2 draw.
Notably, outside the stadium, about 300–500 protesters gathered, waving banners and flags denouncing the Iranian government. Some Iranian-American fans expressed mixed emotions—pride in their team competing on the world stage, anger over the crackdown on protesters in Tehran, and concern about Washington's bombing campaign.
The draw leaves all teams in Group G with one point, following Belgium's 1-1 draw with Egypt earlier. New Zealand, making their third World Cup appearance, remain winless in seven matches. Iran is seeking their first-ever knockout-stage berth.
In the next round, Iran will face Belgium back in Los Angeles on Sunday, while New Zealand takes on Egypt in Vancouver.
