Iran’s Ramin Rezaeian celebrates scoring their first aim with teammates, throughout the Fifa World Cup 2026 Group G match towards New Zealand, Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California, US, June 15, 2026. — Reuters
LOS ANGELES: Iran got here from behind to grab a 2-2 draw towards New Zealand of their long-awaited opening sport on the World Cup on Monday as European heavyweights Spain had been annoyed in a shock stalemate by tiny event debutants Cape Verde.
After months of uncertainty surrounding their participation within the event following the warfare within the Center East, all eyes had been on the Iranians as they took on the New Zealanders in Group G at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium.
Iran twice fought again from a aim right down to earn a treasured level in entrance of a 70,108-strong crowd.
Elijah Simply scored twice for New Zealand with a aim in every half, however the Kiwis’ hopes of securing a first-ever World Cup win resulted in disappointment after objectives from Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi secured Iran’s level.
The pre-match build-up had been dominated by the political intrigue surrounding Iran, who had been initially as a result of be based mostly in Tucson, Arizona earlier than switching their coaching base to Tijuana in Mexico as a result of ongoing tensions with co-hosts the USA over visa points.
US authorities have refused to grant visas for a number of members of the Iranian delegation.
Spain held by Cape Verde
Elsewhere Monday, European champions Spain — one of many pre-tournament favourites for the title — had been held to a surprising 0-0 draw by African qualifiers Cape Verde.
Verde’s Vozinha makes a save from Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal, throughout the Fifa World Cup 2026 Group H Spain versus New Zealand match, Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, US, June 15, 2026. — Reuters
Spain had been anticipated to cruise previous Cape Verde, taking part in within the event for the primary time.
However regardless of having fun with 74% possession and laying siege to the Cape Verde aim, the 2010 world champions had been unable to discover a breakthrough towards the underdogs from the volcanic archipelago of simply 525,000 individuals, who’re ranked as 2000-1 outsiders to win the World Cup by a number of betting web sites.
“The dream came true,” Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha advised reporters. “We competed against Spain, one of the best teams in the world. We are very happy and proud of all the players and people of Cape Verde.”
Cape Verde had by no means certified for the World Cup however had been boosted of their bid to qualify for the finals after Fifa’s growth of the event to 48 groups.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente insisted there was no purpose to hit the panic button — and nonetheless confidently backed his squad to succeed in the ultimate.
“We are completely calm, convinced that there is a long way to go. As we see it, we have seven games left,” he stated.
An upset had additionally regarded on the playing cards in one other early sport on Monday, with Egypt taking the lead via Emam Ashour within the first half towards Belgium in a Group G sport in Seattle.
However veteran Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku got here off the bench within the second half to make an instantaneous influence, harassing Egypt defender Mohamed Hany into an personal aim to safe a share of the factors.
In Miami, two-time World Cup-winners Uruguay needed to come from behind to seize some extent towards Saudi Arabia in Group H.
Abdulelah al-Amri gave Saudi Arabia the lead on 41 minutes however Maxi Araujo’s leveller on 80 minutes saved Uruguay’s blushes in a 1-1 draw.
