Iran, New Zealand settle for electric 2-2 draw in 2026 World Cup Group G

One of the best games so far in the 2026 World Cup comes to an end. Iran and New Zealand share the points and end in a 2-2 stalemate.

In one of the last plays of the game, Iran almost found the game-winner. A perfectly timed clear inside the box avoided a tragic ending for New Zealand.

Wood couldn't get too much power on his header. Otherwise, he could've scored the game-winning goal for the All Whites (wearing their black uniforms).

In search for the game-winner, Iran and New Zealand will play five more minutes.

Hajisafi took down Singh with a harsh tackle that left Ramos but no choice but to book him. Otherwise, it's been a very clean game.

The Persian Cheetahs are stepping onto the gas pedal in pursuit of a late winner. New Zealand seem to be running out of gas.

Hosseinzadeh is subbed into the game, as Taremi walks off the pitch. The iconic Iranian striker had a rough second half.

New Zealand's right back and overnight-turned influencer is subbed off. Callan Elliot makes his way into the game.

New Zealand got some wind into their sails after the hydration break. This game could go either way!

New Zealand are saved by the bell as the cooling break may be just what they needed to hold off the Iranian surge at Los Angeles Stadium. The fourth quarter will now be underway.

Some say momentum isn't real. We beg to differ. Iran are now in control and putting New Zealand up against the ropes. However, anything can happen and it's still anyone's game.

Mohebi is left all by himself inside the penalty box and his header leaves Crocombe with no chance. The ball hit the inside of the post and slots in for the Persian Cheetahs to pull level. WHAT A GAME!

While Wood keeps finding ways to provide chances for his teammates, Taremi is being a bit selfish in the finishing third of the pitch. So far, Wood has two assists for New Zealand.

Payne delivered a rough tackle but was let off with only a warning from Mexican referee Ramos.

No, it's not a flashback Wood assists Just once again, as the All Whites jump back into the lead.

Moghanloo attempted a curve shot from outside the box that steers well wide of Crocombe's goal. Still, a warning for New Zealand.

Coming off the break, Iran and New Zealand resume their opening matchup at Los Angeles Stadium.

Through the opening 45 minutes, Iran and New Zealand are level at 1-1.

New Zealand lead in every department, as they have enjoyed 52% of possession and recorded nine shots (seven on target).

Meanwhile, Iran have attempted seven shots, but only two were on target. Taremi's effort that hit the post doesn't count as a shot on target, though it was arguably the biggest chance of the first half.

After an electric first half, Iran and New Zealand head down the tunnel and into their locker rooms. Game is still tied at one apiece.

Following a precise free kick, Iran thought they had found a late goal to take the lead before halftime. However, a clear offside call rained on their parade. The game remains tied, and New Zealand can breathe a sigh of relief.

Iran created a great scoring chance thanks to a powerful throw-in into the penalty box. The Persian Cheetahs showed just how deep their tricks' bag is, and it will be something the All Whites must keep a wary eye on.

There will be six more minutes of added time before halftime.

A harsh foul on Cacace hands New Zealand a grade-A chance close to Iran's box.

Wood's effort is stopped effortlessley by Beiranvand, though.

In an effort to clear a ball, Ezatolahi hit his head and is now being evaluated by Iran's medical staff.

Rezaeian finds himself all alone with Crocombe and makes no mistake to bring Iran level.

Cacace unleashed a complicated low-driven shot that the Iranian goalkeeper was able to neutralize with no rebound. The action continues to be back-and-forth with both sides getting good chances. This Group G matchup is definitely not for the faint of heart.

A costly error from goalkeeper Crocombe handed a grade-A chance for Iran. However, the long-distance shot missed a partially open net.

The fast-paced action at Los Angeles Stadium has been stopped for players to hydrate. Hopefully it doesn't slow down the game as players return for what many call the "second quarter".

Iran's star led the counter-attack as New Zealand were left in a vulnerable position. However, Taremi's outside-the-box effort was denied by the right post. Iran came just inches away from tying the game.

The Iranian goalkeeper saved his team from conceding another goal after a good shot from outside the box by the All Whites.

Ghoddos stuttered to shoot in the edge of New Zealand's box. Fortunately for Iran, they are showing signs of life and we've got ourselves a game at Los Angeles Stadium.

Singh couldn't strike the ball accurately after a nice team play left him in a good spot inside the penalty box. However, his shot missed the net by a mile. Iran have been left shell-shocked by the early goal.

Just when Iran were showing their teeth, New Zealand answered right back. Elijah Just smashed the ball into the net with a powerful high shot that defeated Beiranvand to break the deadlock.

The Iranians have come out of the tunnel swinging and put pressure on New Zealand right from the start. No shots on goal so far, but a warning for Darren Bazeley's side.

Following the 10-second countdown, Cesar Ramos blew his whistle and game is underway at Los Angeles Stadium. New Zealand have the first possession of the game corresponding to Group G of the 2026 World Cup.

Kickoff is just minutes away as Iran and New Zealand's rosters make their way into Los Angeles Stadium. Meanwhile, "Sirius” by the British rock band The Alan Parsons Project, the song played before every game at the 2026 World Cup is blasting through stadium speakers.

According to USA Today, the cheapest tickets still available for Iran vs. New Zealand start at $410, with those in lower sections of Los Angeles Stadium being around $620.

Iran sit at No. 20 in the FIFA World Rankings, trailing only Japan (18th) among the Asian teams competing in the 2026 World Cup.

Iran's main attacking threat is Mehdi Taremi (33), who was involved in 49% of the team's goals during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Taremi arrives in red-hot form, having scored 10 goals and provided seven assists (17 G/A) out of the Persian Cheetahs' 35 goals on their road to the World Cup.

As for New Zealand, they will feature veteran center forward Chris Wood, who leads the All Whites in all-time goals with 45 tallies. Needless to say, he will be the biggest headache for the Iranian defense in the World Cup opener.

Iran and New Zealand had never met in a World Cup before. However, the two sides had faced each other twice previously. Their first meeting ended in a 0-0 draw in 1973, while Iran walked away with a 3-0 victory the second time they faced New Zealand, in 2003.

Over two decades later, they meet again. Only this time, it will be the biggest matchup between them as they clash in Group G of the 2026 World Cup.

Through two tournaments and six games played, the All Whites have yet to register a victory at soccer's biggest tournament. Against Iran, they have a chance to start the 2026 World Cup on the right foot, but the Persian Cheetahs will be anything but a walk in the park.

As for the Persian Cheetahs, head coach Amir Ghalenoei is sending the following starting lineup onto the pitch at Los Angeles Stadium. Alireza Beiranvand will be the starting goalkeeper. Shoja Khalilzadeh, Milad Mohammadi, Arya Yousefi, Ali Nemati, and Ramin Rezaeian will be on the defense. Iran's midfield will feature Saeid Ezatolahi, Mohammad Mohebbi, and Saman Ghoddos. On the attacking front, captain Mehdi Taremi will be joined by Shahriyar Moghanloo.

Sitting at No. 85 in the FIFA World Rankings, New Zealand are the lowest-ranked team in the 2026 World Cup. However, they are determined to defy all odds, and it starts with their matchup against Iran. As confirmed by FIFA, this is how the All Whites will line up against the Persian Cheetahs.

Max Crocombe will be in goal; Tim Payne, Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Finn Surman; Joe Bell, Marko Stamenic, Sarpreet Singh, Elijah Just, Callum McCowatt; Chris Wood.

The lineup features several players born outside New Zealand, like Surman, who was born in Wales.

FIFA has confirmed who will be the referees officiating Iran vs. New Zealand in the 2026 World Cup. Mexican referee Cesar Ramos will serve as the head official, responsible for calling the game on the pitch at Los Angeles Stadium. He will be joined by assistant referees Alberto Morin and Marco Bisguerra, as well as fourth official Yusuke Araki, and reserve assistant referee Jun Mihara.

In the VAR booth, fellow Mexican, Erick Miranda, will be in charge, joined by Fedayi San (Switzerland) and Bastian Dankert (Germany).

New Zealand and Iran will meet at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California. The state-of-the-art venue can host up to 70,000 fans. Thanks to its closed roof, players and fans can enjoy comfortable temperatures, as the forecast calls for temperatures of around 73 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius) outside.

With Iran's camp based in Tijuana, Mexico, they had to travel roughly 140 miles to reach tonight's venue in Los Angeles.

As for New Zealand, the All Whites are stationed in San Diego, California, meaning they traveled about 120 miles north within the Golden State.

Kickoff for Group G's matchup between Iran and New Zealand is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET. The game will be played in Los Angeles Stadium, where local time will be 6:00 p.m. at kickoff.

Fans in the USA can watch Iran vs. New Zealand on FS1 and Telemundo.

As for streaming options, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Hulu + Live TV, and Peacock Premium will all broadcast the game, too.

Welcome to another 2026 World Cup live blog on Bolavip! Follow along for live updates and catch every critical moment as Iran and New Zealand make their long-awaited debuts in soccer's biggest tournament.