Elijah Just Double: New Zealand Hold Iran in a 2-2 Thriller

admin 5 hours ago 2 min read

Updated 17 June 2026.

Iran vs New Zealand at World Cup 2026 finished 2-2, with Elijah Just scoring twice for New Zealand and Iran fighting back on both occasions in a thrilling Group G draw at SoFi Stadium. Just gave the All Whites a dream start and a shock lead, but Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi ensured Iran rescued a point in an end-to-end contest.

Match facts	Detail
Result	Iran 2-2 New Zealand
Competition	World Cup 2026, Group G
Venue	SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
Scorers	Rezaeian 32′, Mohebi 64′ (IRN); Just 7′, 54′ (NZL)

How New Zealand pushed Iran all the way

New Zealand were the story for long spells. Elijah Just struck inside seven minutes to stun Iran, and when Ramin Rezaeian levelled on 32, Just simply went and scored again on 54 to restore the All Whites’ lead. It took until 64 minutes for Mohammad Mohebi to haul Iran back to 2-2.

For a New Zealand side rarely fancied at this level, twice leading one of Asia’s strongest nations was a major statement. Iran, more fancied, will be relieved to have salvaged a point against opponents who refused to sit back.

What it means for Group G

The draw left all four Group G teams level on a single point after the opening round, alongside Belgium’s 1-1 with Egypt. New Zealand, in particular, will feel they belong. Track the group on our standings page.

What is next

Both sides return to Group G action, with kick-offs on our fixtures page and goals live on live scores. See the day’s full rundown in our World Cup 2026 June 15 round-up and the complete World Cup 2026 guide.

Frequently asked questions

What was the score in Iran vs New Zealand?

Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their World Cup 2026 Group G opener on 15 June at SoFi Stadium. Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand; Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi replied for Iran.