Iran draws 2-2 with New Zealand in World Cup debut amid protests and visa woes

Iran's national football team opened the 2026 World Cup with a 2‑2 draw against New Zealand at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium. Iran equalised twice through Ramin Rezayiān in the first half and Mohammad Mahabi in the second, while New Zealand's Elija Jaust scored both of his side's goals.

The match was marked by political protests outside the venue, where hundreds of anti‑regime Iranians displayed the lion‑and‑sun flag and chanted against the Iranian government. FIFA warned that political symbols were prohibited, yet many protesters passed security checks.

Iran also faced logistical difficulties: several members of the delegation failed to obtain U.S. visas, forcing the team to relocate its training camp from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, shortly before the tournament. Captain Mehdi Taremi criticized the impact of the Iran‑U.S. tensions on the team's preparation, noting the visa hurdles and the abrupt camp move.