Iran, New Zealand Battle to 2-2 Draw in World Cup Opener
Both sides leave Los Angeles with a point after a frantic opening match that keeps Group A wide open
Iran and New Zealand opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaigns with a pulsating 2-2 draw at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, each side claiming a point in a match that swung violently across 90 frantic minutes. The All Whites struck first through a 12th-minute header from Chris Wood, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Iran's back three. Mehdi Taremi equalized from the spot five minutes before halftime after a VAR review confirmed handball, then Sardar Azmoun put Team Melli ahead in the 58th minute with a clinical finish from the edge of the box.
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