IR Iran denied New Zealand a first FIFA World Cup™ win after twice coming from behind to draw their Group G opener at Los Angeles Stadium.

After Mehdi Taremi tested Max Crocombe in a lively opening, Elijah Just went one better to give the All Whites the lead with a low, drilled finish.

Chris Wood was instrumental in the breakthrough goal and the big striker was at it again moments later as he found Sarpreet Singh, who forced an unconvincing save from Alireza Beiranvand.

Iran responded in kind through Taremi, whose 20-yard strike crashed against the upright before the first hydration break.

The pause seemed to work in favour of Amir Ghalenoei’s team, who returned with greater intent and quickly found an equaliser.

Ramin Rezaeian broke through the defensive line and calmly finished with the outside of his boot past Crocombe, bringing the score to 1-1.

New Zealand restored their advantage early in the second half when Wood released Just for a clipped finish over the advancing Beiranvand.

However, Iran weren’t behind for long.

Goalscorer Rezaeian turned provider, delivering an inch-perfect cross for Mohammad Mohebbi to power a header in off the inside of the post.

There was no separating the teams in the closing stages, with Wood heading straight at Beiranvand in added time.

New Zealand’s bid for a first World Cup victory rolls on to their next Group G assignment against Egypt on 21 June.

Iran, meanwhile, face Belgium, with all four sides locked on one point apiece after Matchday 1.

Belgium and Egypt drew 1-1 in their World Cup opener on Monday after a second-half Belgian equalizer spoiled Mohamed Salah’s 34th birthday.

Emam Ashour opened the scoring early in the first half in Seattle, before Romelu Lukaku came off the bench after the hour to force Egypt’s Mohamed Hany into an own goal.

With the draw, seven-time Africa Cup of Nations champions Egypt’s wait for a first victory at a World Cup goes on.

This is their fourth participation in the global showpiece and with Group G fixtures to come against Iran and New Zealand, they will hope to break that hoodoo in North America.

For Belgium, this tournament is likely the last chance for the remnants of their golden generation to better their third-placed finish in Russia eight years ago and finally win silverware.

Veterans Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois and Lukaku are the main protagonists of that group still involved in Rudi Garcia’s squad.

Edo Queens have been crowned champions of the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) for the 2025/26 season.

They won the title after drawing goalless with Bayelsa Queens in the final round of NWFL Premiership Super Six fixtures at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday.

This was s their second NWFL title in three years for coach Moses Aduku’s team.

Before the game, Adaaa Edo Queens were on nine points, needing only one point to be crowned champions.