[84740] 2026 World Cup: Iran national team opens group stage matches against New Zealand

2026 World Cup: Iran and New Zealand meet at SoFi Stadium

As part of the 2026 World Cup group stage, the Iranian national team took to the pitch at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles for a meeting against New Zealand. According to reports in Varzesh3, the Iranian team opened with a 5-3-2 tactical formation. The game started stormily when, as early as the 7th minute, Eli Just scored the first goal for the New Zealanders, as reported by Mr. Varzesh.

The atmosphere in the stands was tense and divided. While Iran International reported that contrary to previous reports of a ban on bringing in flags, many fans waved the "Lion and Sun" flags identified with the Iranian opposition, World Cup Football Sport Bad News noted that some of the crowd chose to protest by booing during the playing of Iran's national anthem. On the other hand, channels identified with the Iranian establishment, such as IRGC News Channel, highlighted the presence of supporters who arrived with pictures of the regime's leaders.

On the professional level, coach Amir Ghalenoei addressed the challenges the team underwent before the game, including visa difficulties and a lack of preparation time, and stated that the players are "playing for the people" (according to Akharin Khabar). The game presented opportunities for both sides, with Iranian players seeking the equalizer throughout the first half, with attempts by Aria Yousefi and Mehdi Taremi, who hit the crossbar.

Alongside this game, other matches were held in Group H as part of the first round, where Saudi Arabia finished in a 1-1 draw against Uruguay and Spain finished in a draw against Cape Verde, as published in World Cup 2026 | Football 180.