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Iran Vs New Zealand, Match Photos: Team Melli, Kiwis Refuse To Blink In LA Thriller

Iran and New Zealand played out a blockbuster 2-2 draw at the SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles Stadium) in Los Angeles on Monday (June 15). It was played under a troubled build-up, clouded by geopolitical tensions, a last-minute base relocation to Mexico, visa setbacks, and fan protests outside the venue. And history was made on the pitch -- marking the first time a World Cup host nation staged a match involving a country with which it is in active military conflict, alongside the teams' first-ever meeting on the grandest stage. The end-to-end clash panned out with the Kiwis leading twice via Elijah Just (7', 54'). Showing immense resilience, Team Melli fought back twice. Ramin Rezaeian poked home before Mohammad Mohebi secured the point with a 64th-minute header. With Belgium and Egypt also playing out a draw (1-1), Group G is deadlocked, one point each. Next up, Iran face Belgium in LA, while the All Whites travel to Vancouver, Canada, to play Egypt on Sunday. Relive the IRN vs NZL match.

Iran's Mohammad Mohebbi (8) celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
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People protest outside Los Angeles Stadium before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
People protest outside Los Angeles Stadium before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
Signage inside the stadium before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Signage inside the stadium before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
An Iran fan holds up a flag before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
An Iran fan holds up a flag before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
Iranian players take to the field for the warm up before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Iranian players take to the field for the warm up before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Fans cheer as Iran players warm up before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Fans cheer as Iran players warm up before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
Fans cheer inside the stadium before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Fans cheer inside the stadium before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
General view before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
General view before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei walks on the field before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei walks on the field before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
General view during the pregame ceremony before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
General view during the pregame ceremony before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
Iran players pose before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Iran players pose before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
Iran starting eleven pose before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Iran starting eleven pose before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
New Zealand starting eleven pose before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
New Zealand starting eleven pose before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
A fan of New Zealand performs a haka ahead of the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
A fan of New Zealand performs a haka ahead of the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Andre Penner
Iran's Arya Yousefi (17) and New Zealand's Joe Bell (6) battle for the ball during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Iran's Arya Yousefi (17) and New Zealand's Joe Bell (6) battle for the ball during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
New Zealand's Finn Surman (16) challenges for the ball with Iran's Shahriyar Moghanloo (20) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
New Zealand's Finn Surman (16) challenges for the ball with Iran's Shahriyar Moghanloo (20) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
New Zealand's Elijah Just (11), center, scores their opening goal during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
New Zealand's Elijah Just (11), center, scores their opening goal during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
New Zealand's Elijah Just (11) celebrates with teammates after scoring their opening goal during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
New Zealand's Elijah Just (11) celebrates with teammates after scoring their opening goal during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
Fans hold a sign reading "42,000 #IranMassacre" during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Fans hold a sign reading "42,000 #IranMassacre" during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley walks on the field before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley walks on the field before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Iran's Mohammad Mohebbi (8) battles for the ball with New Zealand's Chris Wood (9) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Iran's Mohammad Mohebbi (8) battles for the ball with New Zealand's Chris Wood (9) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Andre Penner
New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe (1) reacts as Iran's Mohammad Mohebbi (8) falls during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe (1) reacts as Iran's Mohammad Mohebbi (8) falls during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Iran's Ramin Rezaeian (23) scores a goal against New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe (1) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Iran's Ramin Rezaeian (23) scores a goal against New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe (1) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Andre Penner
Iran's Ramin Rezaeian (23) celebrates after scoring a goal during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Iran's Ramin Rezaeian (23) celebrates after scoring a goal during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Andre Penner
Iran's Mohammad Mohebbi (8) celebrates a goal by Ramin Rezaeian (23) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Iran's Mohammad Mohebbi (8) celebrates a goal by Ramin Rezaeian (23) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Iran's Ali Nemati (19) heads the ball for a goal that was disallowed for offside during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Iran's Ali Nemati (19) heads the ball for a goal that was disallowed for offside during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Iran's Ali Nemati, right, and Saeid Ezatolahi react after a disallowed goal during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Iran's Ali Nemati, right, and Saeid Ezatolahi react after a disallowed goal during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Andre Penner
Iran's Shahriyar Moghanloo (20) battles for a header with New Zealand's Michael Boxall (5) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Iran's Shahriyar Moghanloo (20) battles for a header with New Zealand's Michael Boxall (5) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Iran's Ramin Rezaeian (23) eyes the ball during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Iran's Ramin Rezaeian (23) eyes the ball during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
People protest outside Los Angeles Stadium before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
People protest outside Los Angeles Stadium before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
People protest outside Los Angeles Stadium before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026
People protest outside Los Angeles Stadium before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026 AP Photo/Ty ONeil
New Zealand's Elijah Just (11) scores their second goal during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
New Zealand's Elijah Just (11) scores their second goal during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand (1) is beaten by a header from Iran's Mohammad Mohebbi (8) to scores their second goal during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand (1) is beaten by a header from Iran's Mohammad Mohebbi (8) to scores their second goal during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
New Zealand's Elijah Just (11) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
New Zealand's Elijah Just (11) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Andre Penner
Iranian fans watch their national soccer team play against New Zealand during the World Cup Group G match, at a cafe in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
Iranian fans watch their national soccer team play against New Zealand during the World Cup Group G match, at a cafe in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Vahid Salemi
Iranian fans watch their national soccer team play against New Zealand during the World Cup Group G match, at a cafe in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
Iranian fans watch their national soccer team play against New Zealand during the World Cup Group G match, at a cafe in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Vahid Salemi
New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe (1) fails to block a shot from Iran's Mohammad Mohebbi (8) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe (1) fails to block a shot from Iran's Mohammad Mohebbi (8) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Andre Penner
General view as Iran's Mohammad Mohebbi (8) celebrates scoring their second goal during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
General view as Iran's Mohammad Mohebbi (8) celebrates scoring their second goal during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
Iran's Mohammad Mohebbi (8) celebrates after scoring his side's second goal alongside Mehdi Ghayedi (10) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Iran's Mohammad Mohebbi (8) celebrates after scoring his side's second goal alongside Mehdi Ghayedi (10) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand (1) defends the goal alongside Ali Nemati (19) and New Zealand's Finn Surman (16) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand (1) defends the goal alongside Ali Nemati (19) and New Zealand's Finn Surman (16) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Iran's Mehdi Taremi (9) battles for the ball with New Zealand's Chris Wood (9) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Iran's Mehdi Taremi (9) battles for the ball with New Zealand's Chris Wood (9) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Andre Penner
People unfurl a large Pre-revolutionary Iranian flags stand during a protest outside Los Angeles Stadium before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
People unfurl a large Pre-revolutionary Iranian flags stand during a protest outside Los Angeles Stadium before the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Ty ONeil
Fans watch a televised World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand, Monday, June 15, 2026, in Los Angeles.
Fans watch a televised World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand, Monday, June 15, 2026, in Los Angeles. AP Photo/Jill Connelly
Fans watch a televised World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand, Monday, June 15, 2026, in Los Angeles.
Fans watch a televised World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand, Monday, June 15, 2026, in Los Angeles. AP Photo/Jill Connelly
Iran's Mehdi Ghayedi (10) battles for the ball with New Zealand's Callan Elliot (24) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Iran's Mehdi Ghayedi (10) battles for the ball with New Zealand's Callan Elliot (24) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Andre Penner
New Zealand's Ryan Thomas (23) battles for the ball with Iran's Ramin Rezaeian (23) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
New Zealand's Ryan Thomas (23) battles for the ball with Iran's Ramin Rezaeian (23) during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Andre Penner
General view during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
General view during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
Iran's Mohammad Mohebbi (8) reacts after the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Iran's Mohammad Mohebbi (8) reacts after the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe (1) talks with Iran's Ali Alipour (11) after a draw in the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe (1) talks with Iran's Ali Alipour (11) after a draw in the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Iran's Mehdi Ghayedi (10) and New Zealand's Finn Surman (16) react after the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Iran's Mehdi Ghayedi (10) and New Zealand's Finn Surman (16) react after the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Andre Penner
New Zealand players react after the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
New Zealand players react after the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Andre Penner
Iran's Ramin Rezaeian (23) waves to fans after the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026.
Iran's Ramin Rezaeian (23) waves to fans after the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. AP Photo/Andre Penner
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