Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand, both assisted by Chris Wood, but Iran equalised each time to finish 2–2 in this Group G opener at SoFi Stadium. Just put New Zealand ahead in the 7th minute, only for Ramin Rezaeian to level in the 32nd. Just struck again in the 54th minute to restore New Zealand's lead, and Mohammad Mohebbi — assisted by Rezaeian — made it 2–2 in the 64th. New Zealand had the better of the chances on paper, putting 8 of their 14 shots on target compared to Iran's 4 from 17, but neither side could find a winner in the final half-hour.

The point leaves both sides level in Group G standings after the opening round. Neither team claimed the winning start they needed, and both now face their remaining group fixtures knowing a draw here tightens the margin for error. New Zealand's efficiency in front of goal — converting two of eight shots on target — will offer some encouragement, while Iran's ability to respond twice underlines their resilience even as their shot conversion remained low.