- Iran drew their World Cup 2026 opener against New Zealand 2-2 in Los Angeles, overcoming significant pre-match challenges and gaining strong support from the Iranian diaspora.
- Elijah Just scored both goals for the All Whites, putting New Zealand ahead twice, first in the seventh minute and then ten minutes into the second half.
- Iran equalised through Ramin Rezaeian in the 32nd minute and Mohammad Mohebbi, who headed in the second equaliser after Rezaeian's cross.
- The match was played amidst controversy, including a ban on Iran’s pre-revolutionary 'Lion and Sun' flag, which was still displayed by fans, and the team faced visa issues and officials being blocked from entering the US.
- Despite some booing of the anthem by the Los Angeles Iranian community, fans largely rallied behind the team, distinguishing them from the current Iranian regime.
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