2-2 final
Group G opener
Just scored twice
Iran twice equalized
Iran and New Zealand shared the points in a 2-2 draw in their World Cup 2026 Group G opener at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
New Zealand struck first before halftime when Chris Wood set up Just for a volleyed finish. Iran had chances of their own, including Mehdi Taremi hitting the post, before Ramin Rezaeian brought Iran level before the break.
Iran also had a Nemati goal ruled out, leaving the teams tied 1-1 at halftime after a lively opening period.
New Zealand moved ahead again in the 54th minute after a passing move ended with Just scoring his second goal of the match.
Iran responded ten minutes later. Mohammad Mohebi's header struck the post and bounced in, making it 2-2 in the 64th minute. Neither side found a winner before full time.
The result gave both teams a point to start Group G, while Just's two-goal performance became one of the notable individual stories of the match.