Elijah Just scores twice as Iran and New Zealand draw 2-2 in World Cup group play opener

New Zealand struck first early in the match. In the 7th minute, Elijah Just finished off a Chris Wood assist to put New Zealand ahead 1-0. Iran responded in the 32nd minute when Ramin Rezaeian scored to make it 1-1, sending the teams into halftime level.

After the break, New Zealand moved back in front. In the 54th minute, Elijah Just netted his second goal of the game, with Chris Wood providing his second assist, giving New Zealand a 2-1 lead. Iran pulled level again in the 64th minute when Mohammad Mohebi scored from a Ramin Rezaeian assist, and the match ended 2-2.

On the statistical side, Iran had 48% possession to New Zealand’s 52%. Expected goals were 1.50 for Iran and 1.24 for New Zealand. Iran finished with 17 shots to New Zealand’s 14, and shots on target were 4-8. Passing accuracy was 77% for Iran and 85% for New Zealand. Iran won 4 corners to New Zealand’s 1, had 2 offsides to New Zealand’s 0, made 6 saves to New Zealand’s 2, and committed 10 fouls to New Zealand’s 8.

In the group standings after the match, Iran are currently second in Group G with 1 point from 1 match, having drawn once and lost none, with a goal difference of 0 and the official label of “round of 32.” Their next match is against Belgium in the second round of group play on 2026-06-21. New Zealand are currently first in Group G with 1 point from 1 match, also with a goal difference of 0 and the official label of “round of 32.” Their next match is against Egypt in the second round of group play on 2026-06-22.