LOS ANGELES (AP) — Iran twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening World Cup match Monday, a contest overshadowed by political tensions, protests and months of uncertainty over whether the team would even be allowed to play in the United States.
New Zealand striker Elijah Just scored both goals for the tournament’s lowest‑ranked team, but Iran responded through Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi to avoid defeat in front of a largely pro‑Iran crowd at Los Angeles Stadium. The match unfolded against a backdrop of demonstrations outside the venue, where hundreds of protesters denounced Iran’s ruling regime and argued the team did not represent the people.
Iran’s participation had been clouded by delayed and refused U.S. visas, forcing the squad to relocate its training camp to Mexico before arriving in California. Inside the stadium, many fans displayed anti‑government symbols despite FIFA rules against political messaging, and the Iranian national anthem was met with a mix of boos and cheers.
On the field, New Zealand stunned Iran with an early counterattack finished by Just in the seventh minute. Rezaeian equalized in the 32nd, but Just struck again in the 55th after combining with veteran forward Chris Wood. Iran responded nine minutes later when Mohebi’s header glanced off the post and into the net.
Iran pressed for a winner in the final half hour but wasted several chances, while New Zealand defended resolutely to preserve the draw. The result dents Iran’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage for the first time, though fellow Group G contenders Egypt and Belgium also drew their opening matches.
For New Zealand, the wait for a first World Cup victory continues. For Iran, the match underscored how global sporting events can become entangled with politics, as the team’s campaign remains shadowed by conflict with the United States, protests against its government, and questions about whether football can provide respite from geopolitical turmoil.
