Goals

Iran: Ramin Rezaeian (32'), Mohammad Mohebbi (64')

New Zealand: Elijah Just (7', 54')

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Competition: FIFA World Cup

Kickoff: 01:00+UTC

Venue: SoFi Stadium - Inglewood, California USA

Head referee: César Arturo Ramos Palazuelos

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Iran form [old → recent]: ❌️❌️✅️✅️✅️

New Zealand form [old → recent]: ❌️❌️✅️❌️❌️

Head to head [recent → old]: (IRN-NZL): 2-2

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Lineups

Iran 4-4-2:

Alireza Beiranvand(1) - Ali Nemati(19) - Shoja Khalilzadeh(4) - Milad Mohammadi(5) - Ramin Rezaeian(23)⚽️ - Saeid Ezatolahi(6) - Mohammad Mohebbi(8)⚽️ - Mehdi Ghayedi(10) - Ali Alipour(11) - Ehsan Hajsafi(3)🟨 - Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh(18)

Bench: Hossein Hosseini - Roozbeh Cheshmi - Alireza Jahanbakhsh - Amirmohammad Razzaghinia - Saleh Hardani - Payam Niazmand - Dennis Dargahi - Mehdi Torabi - Hossein Kanani - Danial Iri - Mohammad Ghorbani - Arya Yousefi - Shahriyar Moghanloo - Saman Ghoddos - Mehdi Taremi

New Zealand 4-2-3-1:

Max Crocombe(1) - Michael Boxall(5) - Finn Surman(16) - Joe Bell(6) - Chris Wood(9) - Elijah Just(11)⚽️⚽️ - Ben Old(19) - Jesse Randall(21) - Callan Elliot(24) - Tyler Bindon(4) - Ryan Thomas(23)

Bench: Alex Paulsen - Francis de Vries - Ben Waine - Michael Woud - Kosta Barbarouses - Tommy Smith - Lachlan Bayliss - Nando Pijnaker - Alex Rufer - Liberato Cacace - Callum McCowatt - Tim Payne - Sarpreet Singh - Marko Stamenic

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Match Stats

Possession: 48%🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴52%

Shots On Goal: 4 - 8

Shots Attempted: 17 - 14

Yellow Cards: 1 - 0

Corners: 4 - 1

Saves: 6 - 2

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Match Events

NEW ZEALAND XI (4-2-3-1): Max Crocombe; Liberato Cacace, Michael Boxall, Finn Surman, Tim Payne; Marko Stamenic, Joe Bell; Elijah Just, Sarpreet Singh, Callum McCowatt; Chris Wood.

Hello and welcome to our LIVE commentary of the 2026 World Cup Group G match between Iran and New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California!

16 years after putting together a campaign that saw them eliminated from the group stage without losing a game in South Africa (draws with Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay), New Zealand return to the World Cup in search of their first win at the third attempt. The Kiwis made it into the third round of OFC qualifying thanks to a first-place finish alongside Tahiti, Vanuatu and Samoa, before thrashing both Fiji and New Caledonia to take their place guaranteed; a first for the Oceanic confederation.

Iran make five alterations from the side that beat Gambia 3-1 in their final friendly ahead of the World Cup. Mohammadi and Rezaeian are selected ahead of Kanani and Hajisafi at full-back, while Khalilzadeh gets the nod over the uninvolved Kasra Taheri in the middle of defence. Former Brentford midfielder Ghoddos returns to the team in place of Razzaghinia and in attack, Moghanloo leads the line instead of Hosseinzadeh.

IRAN XI (4-4-2): Alireza Beiranvand; Milad Mohammadi, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Ali Nemati, Ramin Rezaeian; Mohammad Mohebbi, Saeid Ezatolahi, Saman Ghoddos, Arya Yousefi; Mehdi Taremi, Shahriyar Moghanloo.

With 15 minutes to go before kick-off, let’s take a look at how the two sides are lining up - starting with Iran!

NEW ZEALAND SUBS: Francis De Vries, Tyler Bindon, Alex Paulsen, Alex Rufer, Nando Pijnaker, Kosta Barbarouses, Ben Waine, Ben Old, Jesse Randall, Michael Woud, Ryan Thomas, Callan Elliot, Lachlan Bayliss, Tommy Smith.

IRAN SUBS: Saleh Hardani, Ehsan Hajisafi, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mehdi Ghayedi, Ali Alipour, Payam Niazmand, Hossein Kanani, Roozbeh Cheshmi, Mehdi Torabi, Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh, Mohammad Ghorbani, Hossein Hosseini, Dennis Daraghi, Danial Eiri, Amir Mohammad Razzaghinia.

Iran’s seventh appearance at a World Cup since their debut in 1978 also extends their attendance record to each of the last four tournaments including 2026, though they have yet to make it into the knockout rounds. After topping an initial AFC section with Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Hong Kong on goal differential, Ardeshir Ghalenoei’s side would book their ticket to North America in the third round, this time putting two points between themselves and Uzbekistan to qualify automatically.

New Zealand make one, enforced change from the team that lost 1-0 to England nine days ago in Tampa, as an injury to Luke Garbett sees him miss the tournament, requiring the services of McCowatt on the left flank.

New Zealand get the match under way from the kick-off!

Iran get forward immediately through Rezaeian, who hangs an inviting delivery to the back post for Moghanloo, but the striker is beaten in the air by Payne inside the six-yard box.

Iran have started at a blistering pace, getting forward at every opportunity - especially through Rezaeian. The AFC side are not shy about going direct, launching the ball towards Taremi as a means of getting up the pitch, forcing Boxall and Surman into a battle from the first whistle.

Taremi runs over the ball inside the centre-circle, allowing Rezaeian’s pass to run through for Yousefi, who takes a touch before sliding an incisive pass through the lines for Moghanloo. WIth the goal to aim at, the striker instead chooses to try and slip in his team-mate, but Taremi is prevented from getting on the end of it by Surman.

Ghoddos’ switch of play picks out an unmarked Yousefi, who cuts inside ahead of Payne before driving a low shot from an acute angle towards goal that’s stopped at the near post by Crocombe.

A GOAL AGAINST THE RUN OF PLAY HAS NEW ZEALAND AHEAD! 1-0! Wood expertly chests down Crocombe’s long kick 30 yards from Beiranvand’s target, bringing play to a stop ahead of Ghoddos before expertly turning to interchange with Just. The winger then shifts it square to Singh on the edge of the area before continuing his run, and the ensuing ball over the top is controlled by Wood, who pokes it over to Just for a slammed finish!

Wood started the move by controlling Crocombe’s long boot out from the back, before having the presence of mind to both continue his run, and play it across to the open Just. For his hard work he’s credited with the assist, just seven minutes into the game.

Tonight’s clash between Iran and New Zealand sees a duel between traditional target-men who also captain their side, as Olympiakos’ Taremi and Nottingham Forest’s Wood are both dangerous in the air and during set-pieces. The two sides will look to play direct to their striker, who are capable with their backs to goal, before bringing others into play around the area.

Just pounces on Nemati’s poor downwards header just outside Iran’s 18-yard box, winning possession back high up the pitch before playing a pass to Singh. In a tight area, the creative player slaloms in between four defenders before digging out a shot that’s dragged just wide.

Wood spreads play out to the right for the run of Payne, whose cross near the byline is deflected by Mohammadi from close range before Nemati does better with his latest header - nodding away the danger at the near post.

A CHANCE TO DOUBLE THEIR LEAD! New Zealand work a corner short to put Cacace in position to deliver a cross from closer to the area, but his delivery is beaten away by Taremi. McCowatt throws himself at the ball, using an overhead-kick to put it back into the six-yard box for Wood, who turns on it but misses his shot with the goal gaping!

Yousefi launches a long throw into the penalty area looking for Moghanloo, but Payne does just enough to put the striker off at the near post before Surman gets his head to the ball, giving Boxall the chance to swipe it clear.

Iran are asking match official Cesar Arturo Ramos Palazuelos for a spot-kick, after a tangle inside the area between Surman and Moghanloo during a race to get on the end of Ghoddos’ aerial ball leaves the pair of players on the ground in a heap, but the referee immediately signals for play to continue and sides against the striker.

Surman plays a clever ball through the lines for Singh, who turns in a pocket of space before firing a low shot that’s initially deflected by Beiranvand, before gathering at the second attempt.

After a confident start to the game, Iran have been put on the back foot by New Zealand’s goal against the run of play. Since then, the OFC side have found their rhythm and taken charge despite seeing less of the ball than their opponents, firing twice as many shots on target while creating 0.43 xG (0.04 for Iran).

OFF THE POST! A turnover in possession 20 yards from Beiranvand’s goal allows Taremi to charge through the centre-circle with the ball at his feet, leading his side forward on a menacing counter-attack. With options to his left and right, the Olympiakos forward bears down on the penalty area and goes for it himself, curling a side-footed effort past the outstretched arms of Crocombe - only to send his effort off the woodwork!

With just over half of the first period in the books, the referee blows his whistle ahead of a New Zealand throw in midfield and points to the technical areas, signalling for a hydration break. The pause in play will give both sides - especially Ghalenoei - a chance to impart some tactical instructions with 20 minutes left to go before the interval at Los Angeles Stadium.

New Zealand have recorded two shots on target so far in this match; only against Scotland (six in 1982) and USSR (four in 1982) they've recorded more in a World Cup match.

Taremi steals the ball from the foot of Just in midfield and carries it forward down the left flank, before floating a cross to the back post in search of Moghanloo. In an attempt to get there first, Crocombe comes off his line but loses the race, with an eventual coming-together leaving the striker on the ground. The referee, however, once again remains unmoved as he allows play to continue, with possession at the foot of the New Zealand goalkeeper.

Rezaeian’s clipped cross into the 18-yard from the right is met by the chest of Taremi, who is unable to stay on his feet with Boxall on his back, but the striker still manages to set Ghoddos up for an attempt the midfielder snatches at - sending his half-volley well wide of the target.

IRAN FIND THE EQUALISER! 1-1! Rezaeian cuts inside from the right and pokes a pass with his toes to Ghoddos, who helps it forward with a sweeping pass into the 18-yard box at the first time of asking. Moghanloo is there to receive it, rolling Boxall in the process but his sliding attempt is blocked by the closely marking centre-back, only for the ball to sit up well for the charging Rezaeian, who continued his run after starting the move to finish it with a stabbed finish!

Singh pops up on the right flank and takes a touch to put the ball onto his right foot before drilling a cross to the edge of the six-yard box that’s intercepted by a stretching Nemati.

Singh again gets the better of Mohammadi, working enough space down the right to work a cross to the near post, but his latest delivery results in a similar result to last time, with Nemati able to easily clear the danger.

Singh scoops a cross to the far post with two to aim at, as both Wood and Cacace attack the space in anticipation of the ball, but it’s put directly out of play for a goal-kick without giving either player the opportunity to redirect it goalwards.

Play is stopped temporarily for Ezatolahi, who has taken a knock to the chin from the head of Stamenic during an aerial duel. The Iran medical staff have had to come onto the pitch to treat the midfielder, who is looking a bit worse for wear.

Iran and New Zealand have recorded only four clean sheets combined out of 24 FIFA World Cup matches (three in 18 for Iran, one in 6 for the All Whites) - a statistic that will not change tonight after both sides conceded in the opening 32 minutes.

Khalilzadeh’s mistimed foul on Cacace gives New Zealand a late free-kick just outside the 18-yard box on the left corner; a perfect position for a right-footed effort.

Singh and Wood stand over the set-piece but it’s the latter who takes charge, curling his strike around the outside of the two-man wall, only to put the ball right into the path of a comfortable Beiranvand.

Wood switches play out to the right 25 yards from goal for McCowatt, who receives it with a good first touch before holding off Mohammadi with a show of strength to cut inside. In space in a position between the full-back and Ezatolahi, the New Zealand winger has a go at goal from distance but he fails to test the goalkeeper, who makes a routine stop.

CLOSE! Yousefi launches the ball towards the near post from the right flank, getting great distance on his delivery to put it in an area for both Nemati and Moghanloo to attack. It’s the striker who manages to get to it over the back of Boxall, glancing a dangerous backwards header from close range that misses the target narrowly despite the blind attempt!

IRAN SCORE BUT IT WON’T COUNT! SO CLOSE TO A LATE GO-AHEAD GOAL! Rezaeian’s free-kick delivery from deep in midfield inside the left channel is met and turned past Crocombe by the head of a completely free Nemati, but he was only able to get into space thanks to an early start - putting him in a clearly offside position!

The fourth official indicates six minutes will be added to the end of the half for stoppages.

HALF-TIME: IRAN 1-1 NEW ZEALAND

Both sides will feel encouraged to press on and win the match following the restart, with opportunities falling at either end in the first half that - if taken - would have given one team the edge. Formerly of Brighton in the Premier League, Jahanbakhsh’s experience may be required for Iran in the second half, with the versatile player able to play on either flank or through the middle. Razzaghinia may also make an appearance in midfield should Ezatolahi still be feeling the effects of his earlier knock and Hajisafi could be an option in place of the struggling Mohammadi. New Zealand are missing one of their key attacking players through injury (Garbett), though they still have the likes of Port Vale’s Waine and Zwolle's Thomas to call upon should Bazeley wish to add a second striker to find the winner.

A change at the half for Iran sees Yousefi replaced by Ghayedi on the flank.

Iran get the match restarted from the kick-off!

Khalilzadeh backs off Wood, allowing the Nottingham Forest striker to cut inside from the left before having a go from 25 yards out, but he skews his effort disappointingly high and wide of Beiranvand’s goal.

Rezaeian’s inswinging corner-kick looks to drop at the near post for Moghanloo, but it’s repelled desperately by Surman. Unable to clear their lines definitively, Nemati nods the looped ball down for Ghayedi, who pounces on it to hit a volley from 20 yards away that’s blocked at the outset to protect Crocombe.

Rezaeian’s earlier goal to level the scores means he has become the first player to score in two different World Cup’s for Iran (today and on November 25, 2022 against Wales in a 2-0 win).

Moghanloo has put himself about today, working hard on and off the ball to try and bring others into play or get on the end of an aerial chance, but his contest ends seven minutes before the hour, with Alipour ready to come on in his place.

A JUST FINISH MAKES IT 2-1 NEW ZEALAND! THEY’VE DONE IT AGAIN! A turnover in possession allows the All Whites to get on the ball through Cacace, who starts a flowing and silky move that involves Singh before reaching the foot of Wood, who holds up play and spreads it to his right for the late run of Just to tuck away with a first-time effort from an acute angle that sails between the sliding Nemati and Beiranvand to seal the winger’s brace!

It took Wood seven minutes after the opening whistle to combine with Just for New Zealand’s opener, and the striker once again supplies his team-mate with an assist - eight minutes after the restart for the second period.

Just becomes the first New Zealand player to score multiple goals at a World Cup with his pinpoint finish that gives the All Whites the lead. Due to his involvements, Wood also gets his name down in history, becoming the first player from his nation to provide multiple assists.

Only Honduras (nine) and Egypt (seven) have played more World Cup matches than New Zealand (six) without ever recording a win.

Boxall takes a free-kick from the halfway line quickly, playing it over the top of the Iran defence for Wood, who again gets his chest to it. This time though, he lays the ball off for the late run of Singh, whose awkward half-volley is caught cleanly by Beiranvand.

A TEXTBOOK HEADER RESTORES PARITY YET AGAIN! 2-2! Again showing his incredible ability to deliver a ball, Rezaeian settles Ghoddos’ switch of play with a helpful first touch before whipping a superb cross to the edge of the six-yard box for the completely unmarked Mohebbi, who guides it past the helpless Crocombe with a well-placed header!

Rezaeian has been influential in all phases of the game tonight, doing his duties at full-back while also scoring Iran’s opening goal. 32 minutes later and he’s involved himself once again, providing a perfect cross for Mohebbi to score - which goes down as the assist.

Ghoddos makes way with 25 minutes remaining, giving Hajisafi a chance to get involved in the action.

Rezaeian is given the opportunity to deliver the ball into the 18-yard box once again, this time from a corner-kick, which is met and punched away by a brave Crocombe through the crowd of bodies.

New Zealand’s first substitution of the contest sees Thomas come on in McCowatt’s stead on the right wing.

Old is sent into the fray just before the hydration break, with Cacace the man to come off.

The referee blows his whistle and gives both sides a hydration break, a half-dozen minutes after Iran put themselves level for the second time tonight. The well-timed pause in play will allow both teams to recalibrate ahead of the final frame, with either side more than capable of adding one last twist to the tale.

Ghayedi plays it forward for the overlapping Mohammadi, who gives chase and pressures Stamenic, looking to force a mistake ahead of the New Zealand byline, but the midfielder manages to work an inch of space to hit a clearance that results in a goal-kick for Crocombe.

With a quarter-hour left to play, Opta’s super computer gives Iran a 31% chance to win the match outright, while New Zealand’s odds of putting themselves ahead for the third time tonight remains slim at 12%. The likeliest scenario is a draw, with 58% and the two teams sitting level at 2-2, though the chances are still flowing despite a large number of stoppages.

Ghayedi drags the ball from the right flank to the edge of the penalty area for Taremi, who lays it off with his back to goal for Hajisafi, but the substitute’s first-time strike is blocked and put out of play for a throw by Surman.

New Zealand’s latest substitution comes in defence, and sees Elliot take over from Payne with 12 minutes left to go at Los Angeles Stadium.

Rezaeian’s first-time cross from the right is somehow met by Taremi in between Surman and Old, but the striker places his header well wide of Crocombe’s far post.

Taremi’s off-target header is his last involvement in the match, with the captain replaced by Hosseinzadeh to partner Alipour.

Iran are upset following Wood’s challenge on Khalilzadeh in midfield, as Team Melli players believe the shoulder into the face of the centre-back was deliberate. To be fair it didn’t appear as though the Nottingham Forest striker knew much about the coming-together, and VAR has cleared him of any wrongdoing.

Taremi was directly involved in 49% of Iran’s goals in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup – scoring 10 and assisting seven of Iran’s 35 goals. He also played more minutes than any other Team Melli player. (1,331 minutes)

The ball trickles out to Ezatolahi 25 yards from goal following a scramble inside the penalty area, with neither team able to get their foot on it, but the midfielder’s first-time shot fails to come back down and hit Crocombe’s target.

Ezatolahi feints intelligently after receiving Rezaeian’s pass in midfield to win a bit of room ahead of Thomas before curling a strike from distance that’s caught cleanly by the New Zealand goalkeeper.

Hajisafi sticks in a leg to bring Just down robustly on the halfway line, looking to prevent a counter-attack. The Iran substitute gives the referee a knowing smile before receiving his yellow card, which is met without any protest.

The fourth official indicates five minutes will be added to the end of the match for stoppages.

New Zealand make a change in attack two minutes into added time, taking off Singh for Randall.

Bazeley’s fifth and final substitution sees Stemnic make way for Bindon.

Ghayedi’s late inswinging corner is met at the far post by Ezatolahi, who keeps the ball in play by nodding it across the face of goal, but Thomas throws himself in the way to intercept!

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