Iran vs New Zealand Highlights and Objectives
World Cup
1:00 AMJune 16, 2026
Group Stage – 1
SoFi Stadium
Referee: César Ramos Palazuelos, Mexico
Iran
New Zealand
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1.50
Anticipated objectives (xG)
1.24
-0.20
Objectives Prevented
-0.20
Passing
312 (77%)
Correct passes
377 (85%)
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1
G
Alireza Beiranvand
5
D
Milad Mohammadi
19
D
Ali Nemati
4
D
Shoja Khalilzadeh
D
Ramin Rezaeian
32′
64′
17
M
Aria Yousefi
6
M
Saeid Ezatolahi
14
M
Saman Ghoddos
M
Mohammad Mohebi
64′
9
F
Mehdi Taremi (C)
20
F
Shahriar Moghanlou
Substitutes
24
F
Dennis Eckert Ayensa
7
F
Alireza Jahanbakhsh
16
M
Mahdi Torabi
21
M
Mohammad Ghorbani
26
M
Amirmohammad Razzaghinia
15
M
Roozbeh Cheshmi
13
D
Hossein Kanaani
2
D
Saleh Hardani
22
G
Hossein Hosseini
12
G
Payam Niazmand
F
Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh
80′ Changed by M. TaremiD
Ehsan Hajsafi
89′Tripping
65′ Changed by S. GhoddosF
Ali Alipour
53′ Changed by S. Moghanlou
10
F
Mehdi Ghayedi
1
G
Max Crocombe
13
D
Liberato Cacace
5
D
Michael Boxall
16
D
Finn Surman
2
D
Tim Payne
8
M
Marko Stamenić
6
M
Joe Bell
M
Elijah Simply
7′
54′
10
M
Sarpreet Singh
20
M
Callum McCowatt
F
Chris Wooden (C)
7′ 54′ No standings information out there for this league
Iran and New Zealand performed out an exhilarating 2-2 draw at SoFi Stadium in a World Cup conflict outlined by medical ending and defensive vulnerability from either side.
The match delivered rapid drama when New Zealand’s Elijah Simply struck within the seventh minute, giving the away aspect an early benefit. Simply’s composure in entrance of aim set the tone for what would turn into an entertaining offensive show from each groups all through the 90 minutes.
Iran responded shortly to the early setback. Ramin Rezaeian leveled the match within the thirty second minute with a well-taken end. The Iranian defender’s aim confirmed medical execution and gave the house crowd hope heading into the break.
New Zealand got here out sturdy after halftime and regained the lead by means of Simply within the 54th minute. The striker’s second aim of the day prolonged his tally and appeared to place the guests on the right track for victory at that stage.
Nevertheless, Iran refused to give up. Mohammad Mohebi equalized within the sixty fourth minute, dragging his crew degree as soon as extra. The aim sparked intense strain from the hosts, however New Zealand’s protection held agency regardless of sustained Iranian assaults within the closing levels.
Simply’s two-goal efficiency earned him a match score of 9.0, highlighting his medical ending when possibilities arrived. Rezaeian matched that normal with a 9.3 score, offering each a aim and an help whereas contributing three key passes all through the encounter.
New Zealand dominated possession with 52 % of the ball and created higher alternatives general. The away aspect registered eight pictures on course in comparison with Iran’s 4, with an anticipated objectives (xG) determine of 1.24. Iran managed 1.5 xG regardless of decrease possession figures, displaying they made their possibilities depend after they got here.
The defensive frailties on show involved each camps. Iran conceded eight pictures on course from 14 whole makes an attempt by New Zealand. The hosts managed solely 4 pictures on course regardless of 17 whole makes an attempt, indicating much less precision of their ending.
Rezaeian’s all-around efficiency stood out past his aim contribution. The Iranian fullback made three tackles and created a number of possibilities for teammates, proving influential at each ends of the pitch. New Zealand’s Chris Wooden offered two assists regardless of not scoring himself, orchestrating play from midfield.
Neither aspect might discover a winner regardless of late strain. Ehsan Hajsafi acquired a yellow card within the 89th minute as tensions rose towards the ultimate whistle. The draw leaves each groups with work to do of their World Cup campaigns.
This consequence displays the aggressive nature of contemporary worldwide soccer, the place high quality groups can cancel one another out. Each Iran and New Zealand confirmed attacking intent however defensive limitations that would show expensive in knockout levels. The purpose apiece retains either side in rivalry for development, although every will goal victories of their remaining group matches.
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