Iran, New Zealand, Amir Ghalenoei, Ramin Rezaeian, Mohammad Mohebi
16 June 2026
Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their World Cup opener, with Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi scoring as Team Melli twice came from behind. The result was quickly overshadowed by renewed travel restrictions after the match.
Coach Amir Ghalenoei said Iran were ordered to leave Los Angeles immediately and return to their Tijuana base, calling his squad the tournament’s most repressed team. He argued the sudden travel change damaged recovery after a tense buildup.