Iran draws 1-1 with New Zealand at World Cup in Los Angeles amid U.S. tension

Iran and New Zealand finished their Group G match at the FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles with a 1‑1 draw, leaving both teams on one point. New Zealand took the lead in the seventh minute through Elijah Just, while Iran equalised in the 32nd minute via Ramin Rezaeian. A second New Zealand goal by Just early in the second half was answered by Milad Mohammadi’s header for Iran, securing the draw.

The match marked the first time the host nation has hosted a team with which it is formally at war. Iran travelled to Los Angeles after staying in Mexico, crossing the U.S. border three times because U.S. authorities denied visas to most of the Iranian staff and barred overnight stays. The team’s arrival was accompanied by protests by Iranian diaspora groups, though large-scale demonstrations did not materialise. FIFA President Gianni Infantino observed the game, and Iran will face Belgium and Egypt in subsequent group fixtures.