17 June 2026
Iran Come From Behind Twice to Snatch Dramatic World Cup Draw
In a tournament first, a nation at war with a host country took to the field, and Iran and New Zealand delivered one of the most gripping games of the World Cup so far.
The backdrop to this Group G fixture was unlike anything seen at a World Cup before, according to Sky Sports. Iran arrived in the United States having navigated months of uncertainty caused by a US and Israeli bombing campaign, training disruptions, visa problems, and with 11 non-playing officials still blocked from entering the country.
On the pitch, Elijah Just, a forward from Scottish club Motherwell, put New Zealand ahead twice. Each time, Iran refused to fold. Mohammad Mohebbi's header in the second half completed Iran's fightback and secured a 2-2 draw that felt like much more than a single point.
Sky Sports described it as arguably the game of the tournament so far. Iran's players and supporters will know what it took simply to be there.
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