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New Zealand Battle Iran in Enthralling World Cup Opener: 4 Takeaways

New Zealand and Iran played out one of the most enthralling games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far, battling to a 2-2 draw

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New Zealand play against Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Have you caught your breath yet, Kiwis? New Zealand and Iran played out one of the most enthralling games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far, wave after wave of attack from both teams resulting in an entertaining 2-2 draw.

Led by Nottingham Forest’s mighty striker Chris Wood, the All Whites forward line attacked with gusto and no lack of skill, with Motherwell winger Elijah Just proving his growing talent with two well-taken goals.

New Zealand’s nervy defence, however, proved costly, with the direct Iranian attack finding gaps at the back to score two equalisers; in truth, the Asian nation could have scored more.

Despite pre-match protests and a general air of uneasiness surrounding the game, given Iran has been at war with the US, one of the hosts, the All Whites had to contend with a hostile and partisan crowd inside the Los Angeles Stadium.

A draw felt like a fair result in the end, but New Zealand will have felt a first-ever World Cup win was within touching grass.

Tough challenges now await in the form of Egypt and Belgium, but this Iran result will do the All Whites’ confidence the world of good.

Check out Rolling Stone AU/NZ‘s 4 takeaways from the Iran game below.

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Max Crocombe flaps at a cross against Iran

Stu Forster/Getty Images

Attack? Good. Defence? Not So Good…

As we’ve discussed, the All Whites were adventurous and skilful in attack, particularly the potent combination of Just and the towering Wood.

At the other end, though? It was a different story.

Millwall goalkeeper Max Crocombe looked unnerved by the occasion, flapping at several crosses and almost getting caught out by an Iranian tackle in the first half.

The back four tried its best in front of him, but the directness of the Iran attack often got the better of them. Michael Boxall has been a wonderful servant to New Zealand, but the centre-back never looked comfortable bringing the ball out from the back, and he got caught out badly for Iran’s opening goal.

The partisan crowd certainly didn’t help the defence’s nerves, but more composure from all five players will be needed against Belgium and Egypt.

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Elijah Just plays against Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Alex Livesey - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Relentless Pace

Much has been made about the perceived decline of football in the past 12 months, particularly in the English Premier League, with Arsenal being derided for being ‘dull’.

New Zealand and Iran, however, reminded us all of just how bloody fun football can be.

Aided by a referee who didn’t mind keeping his whistle in his pocket, the pace of the game was absolutely relentless, both teams taking turns to attack in excitable and bold fashion.

The game was incredibly stretched from the opening exchanges, with both defences getting caught out on several occasions. As the game reached its conclusion, no players wanted to calm down, either, with both teams continuing to attack until the final minutes.

It was end-to-end action in Los Angeles. Will the All Whites be able to maintain such a pace in their remaining two group fames?

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