World Cup 2026: New Zealand go ahead twice but Iran fight back twice in Group G

World Cup 2026: Iran vs New Zealand match – Group G: Two goals for each side in an exciting and competitive encounter, as all teams in the group finish level on one point after the first round

Following the 1-1 draw between Egypt and Belgium, all four teams in the group emerged with the same points, leaving every possibility open in the race for qualification to the Round of 32.

A 2-2 draw was the result of the Iran-New Zealand clash in the opening round of Group G at the 2026 World Cup, a result that kept qualification hopes alive for all teams from the very start, in a balanced group that reflects the level of competition expected.

New Zealand catch Iran early

Iran entered the match with attacking intentions and the aggressive, high-pressure style they are known for across all lines of play, but it was New Zealand who struck first.

In the 7th minute, Elijah Just capitalised on a precise pass from captain Chris Wood – who deserves credit for both the assist and his composure in controlling the ball before delivering it to Just – firing powerfully into the net to put his side ahead early.

A moment in which Iran’s defenders and midfielders were completely absent from the picture.

Iran tried to get back into the game quickly, coming close through Mehdi Taremi who led a swift counter-attack and fired a shot that struck the post, before Ramin Rezaeian managed to equalise in the 32nd minute, pouncing on a rebound inside the penalty area.

Just repeats the feat and Iran respond again

At the start of the second half, New Zealand took the lead once more. Elijah Just scored his second personal goal in the 54th minute, again capitalising on a pass from captain Chris Wood, as the duo continued to make the difference offensively.

However, Iran refused to surrender, continuing their pressure in search of another equaliser. In the 64th minute, Mohammad Mohebi succeeded in scoring Iran’s second equaliser with a precise header following a superb cross from Ramin Rezaeian, who ended the match with two direct contributions to his country’s goals.

Excitement until the final moments

The final minutes saw attempts from both sides to snatch a winning goal, but the score remained unchanged until the final whistle.

Both Iran and New Zealand earned one point each, joining the draw between Egypt and Belgium in the group’s other match, leaving all four teams level on points after the first round.

A group with no differences after the first round

Despite all teams being equal on points, the superior attacking output gave Iran and New Zealand temporary top spot on goal difference over Egypt and Belgium, awaiting the second-round fixtures which could completely reshape the competition picture.

With the first round complete, Group G appears wide open, with no team having established an early advantage, turning the next two rounds into near-deciders in the race for qualification to the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.

beIN SPORTS match highlights: Iran vs New Zealand

ملخص مباراة إيران ونيوزيلندا | دور المجموعات – كأس العالم FIFA 2026™

📦 اشترك الآن 👇

🔗 https://t.co/DWnvoh4EGW
📱 https://t.co/alkogGtHdW#كأس_العالم2026 | #مونديال2026 | #كأس_العالم#beINWC26 | #FIFAWorldCup2026 | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/p42zN4NEfn

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) June 16, 2026

Group standings