The Iranian team starred in one of the most vibrant matches at the start of the 2026 World Cup, drawing 2-2 against New Zealand at the SoFi Stadium, in Los Angeles, in front of more than 70 thousand fans. The match was marked by emotion, goals and moments of high tension that are already beginning to write the history of this 2026 World Cup.
The Asian team showed character, determination and quality in their debut in Group G, overcoming adversity on and off the field. The draw not only allowed them to score a point, but also sent a clear message in the midst of a complicated context.
From the stands, the president of Fifa, Gianni Infantino, followed the match closely and expressed his enthusiasm for the spectacle offered. “A full stadium in Los Angeles, a beautiful and exciting game. The 2-2 score left great moments and great goals. I am very happy to see Iran in the 2026 World Cup; “This is part of history,” he said.
But the most significant gesture came after the meeting. Infantino went down to the Iran locker room, where he personally congratulated the players for their performance and the impact they are generating in the tournament.
“Congratulations to everyone, I am very happy to see you here,” he told them. Furthermore, he highlighted: “They are sending a strong message to the world”in reference to the difficult context that the team is experiencing off the field.
Iran came to this World Cup surrounded by logistical and political complications. Due to international tensions, he was forced to establish his base in Tijuana, Mexico, in addition to facing restrictions on the issuance of visas for part of his delegation. Despite this, the team has shown strength and commitment in its World Cup participation.
Now, the Iranian team will seek to continue making history in the Group G, where they will face two key duels: against Belgium, on June 21, again in Los Angeles, and against Egypt, on June 27, in Seattle. Both matches will be decisive for their aspirations to advance to the next phase of the competition.
The draw against New Zealand not only left an attractive result, but also a story full of meaning. Iran is already impacting the 2026 World Cup, on and off the field, and, as Infantino expressed it, its presence is already part of an edition that promises to be unforgettable.
Gianni Infantino visited Iran 🇮🇷 after the draw against 🇳🇿 and thanked the team:
🗣️ “They are sending a strong message to the world.”
“If they need an attacker, I’m ready to play the next game.”➡️The Iranian coach asked FIFA to intervene in the problems they have had. pic.twitter.com/wQp9JcK9JN
— PressPort (@PressPortmx) June 16, 2026