During the war and on American soil! Rezaeian scores a great goal in the battle between Iran and New Zealand at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The ball is already rolling intensely at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the debut between Iran and New Zealand, in Los Angeles, is full of emotions, on and off the field. Iranian protesters expressed their displeasure against the Iranian government before the match even began. They displayed the lion and sun flag, the country’s symbol before the 1979 Islamic revolution, an item banned by FIFA in its competitions due to its political nature, but which was still seen in the stands.
This inaugural clash takes place against a backdrop of significant geopolitical tensions. Iran faced days of uncertainty in its participation in the World Cup, with its delegation moving to Tijuana, Mexico, due to delays in obtaining North American visas. However, a recent peace agreement between the US and Pakistan, which may signal a de-escalation in the region, brings the prospect of a calmer participation for the Iranians in the tournament.
The kickoff was given in Los Angeles at 10pm (Brasília time) this Monday, marking the opening of Group G, which also includes Belgium and Egypt. The Californian city, known for being home to one of the largest Iranian communities outside the country, is the scene of an atmosphere full of expectations and fervor.
Embezzlement and Curiosities Precede the Duel at SoFi Stadium
The New Zealand team, in turn, suffered a significant setback hours before the match. Attacking midfielder Matthew Garbett, from Peterborough United, in England, was officially cut due to an injury to the hamstring muscle, suffered in training on Saturday and confirmed by imaging tests. The absence forced last-minute adjustments to the team’s strategy.
An unusual social media phenomenon follows New Zealand full-back Tim Payne. After a campaign started by an Argentine fan, who sought out the player with the fewest followers at the World Cup, Payne saw his number of followers on Instagram skyrocket to 5.7 million, surpassing the population of his own country. This atypical highlight adds extra spice to his participation in the tournament.
The choice of Los Angeles to host the match is not random. The city has a vast Iranian community abroad, guaranteeing a packed stadium and overwhelming support for the Persian team. The vibrant atmosphere reflects the passion for football and the strong cultural bond of the Iranian diaspora.
Preparations at SoFi Stadium included tests with the big screen, showing images of the Iranian team for the clash. The state-of-the-art infrastructure of the stadium in Los Angeles promised an immersive and modern visual experience for fans, highlighting the grandeur of the event.
Intensity Marks the First Minutes of the Match in Los Angeles
The game started with Iran looking for the initiative, trying to make a first pass through midfield, but the New Zealand defense was attentive and made the immediate cut. The first moments were marked by a fierce dispute for possession of the ball in the central sector of the field.
After just three minutes, Taremi made a promising advance against the Iranian attack. However, his incursion into the opponent’s area was neutralized by a precise tackle by the New Zealand defense, frustrating the initial attempt at danger.
In the same minute, New Zealand’s Singh tried to mount a quick counterattack. However, the play was quickly dismantled, and the clash continued with the midfield becoming the main stage of the dispute, with neither team managing to impose a dominant pace.
In the fourth minute, Moghanlou received the ball in an advantageous position for the Iranian attack. However, an error in the execution of the final pass caused the opportunity to be wasted, preventing progression to a clearer chance of scoring.
The first real opportunity to open the scoring came after five minutes for Iran. Yousefi advanced from the left, invaded the opponent’s area and shot hard, but the New Zealand goalkeeper made a crucial save, keeping the score unchanged and preventing the goal.
New Zealand Surprises and Opens the Score with Just’s Great Goal
Contrary to expectations of Iranian dominance, New Zealand managed to find the net after six minutes. The goalkeeper launched Wood, who scored with Just. The New Zealand midfielder invaded the area and finished with precision, scoring the first goal of the game and surprising everyone at SoFi Stadium.
After the goal, Iran tried to react immediately, looking for spaces to advance and equalize the score. However, the New Zealand team closed down in defense, making it difficult for the opponent to attack and maintaining a solid advantage.
In the 11th minute, New Zealand created another dangerous chance. Singh invaded the area after a good move by Wood, but his finish was inaccurate, sending the ball out without offering any real danger to the Iranian goalkeeper.
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A minute later, Singh attempted a cross into Iran’s area. However, the Iranian defense was well positioned and managed to make the cut effectively, removing the danger and maintaining defensive concentration.
Stamenic, from New Zealand, had a shot at goal in the 13th minute, but the attempt was blocked by the Iranian defense, preventing the ball from reaching the opponent’s goal and keeping the game open.
Iran Seeks Response as Opportunities Multiply
New Zealand had a clear opportunity to extend their lead in the 14th minute. Wood received the ball in attack in a great position, but finished poorly in the small area, wasting what could have been a second goal for his team.
In a play in the New Zealand area in the 16th minute, Moghanlou fell after contact with a defender and asked for a penalty, while in pain. Referee Suman, however, did not signal the infraction, interpreting that there was no foul in the play.
In the 18th minute, New Zealand’s Singh tried again with a shot from outside the box. The Iranian goalkeeper was attentive and made the save, preventing the ball from entering and keeping the difference on the scoreboard minimal.
Iran, looking for a draw, intensified the exchange of passes from the 21st minute onwards, trying to find gaps in New Zealand’s well-positioned defense. The Persian team showed patience in constructing the plays.
A great scoring chance for Iran came in the 22nd minute. Taremi advanced with the ball controlled from midfield and risked a powerful right-footed shot from outside the area, which ended up hitting goalkeeper Crocombe’s crossbar, bringing the danger very close.
Pause for Hydration and Balance in the Confrontation
At 24 minutes into the first half, the referee stopped the match so the athletes could hydrate. The break was a crucial moment for the teams to readjust their strategies and catch their breath given the high intensity of the game.
The game resumed in the 27th minute, with both teams fresh after the hydration break. The expectation was that the match would gain new momentum in the final stretch of the first stage.
In the 28th minute, Mohebi was thrown into the box in a confusing move. He shared the ball with the goalkeeper, asking for a penalty. Afterwards, the goalkeeper played the wrong way, and the ball fell to Ghooddos, who tried to cover it, but the shot went wide in a move of pure madness.
New Zealand responded quickly in the 29th minute. Cacace risked a shot, but the Iranian goalkeeper was well positioned and made the save, showing that the game was really “back and forth”, with chances for both sides.
In the same minute, Ghoddos, from Iran, tried a shot from outside the box. However, the ball did not reach the goal and went out, posing no danger to the New Zealand goal.
Rezaeian’s great goal brings Iran a draw
Finally, in the 32nd minute of the first half, Iran achieved the long-awaited draw with a great goal from Rezaeian. He started the play, passed it to Ghoddos, who scored with Moghanlou. Moghanlou passed it back to Rezaeian in the small area, who, with calm and class, covered the goalkeeper who came low, shaking the net and setting the stadium on fire.
The current score indicates 1-1, and the game remains exciting in the first half, approaching 35 minutes of intense competition. The teams continue in search of victory in this important debut in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Main Moves from the First Half to date
- 00′ 1T:Start of the match between Iran and New Zealand in Los Angeles, amidst Iranian protests.
- 05′ 1T:Yousefi, from Iran, has the first big chance of the game, but the New Zealand goalkeeper saves it.
- 06′ 1T:New Zealand goal! Just opens the scoring after a table with Wood, taking the Iranian defense by surprise.
- 14′ 1Q:Wood, from New Zealand, wastes a clear chance to expand, finishing poorly in the small area.
- 22′ 1T:Iran’s Taremi almost equalizes with a powerful shot from outside the box that explodes off Crocombe’s post.
- 24′ 1T:Game stopped for athletes to hydrate in the heat of Los Angeles.
- 32′ 1T:Great goal from Rezaeian! The Iranian full-back ties the match with a beautiful cover finish, after a good exchange of passes.
