Iran national anthem booed before World Cup match
The Iranian national anthem was booed by some spectators inside the SoFI Stadium in Los Angeles on Monday evening as Iran began their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Group G.
Jack Rathborn16 June 2026 03:07
New Zealand survive after Iran see goal ruled out for offside
45+7 mins: Iran 1-1 New Zealand
OFFSIDE! Nemati goes early, way early, and that’s why he has time and space in the box as Iran swing a late free-kick in.
Nemati directs his header into the corner, but those celebrations are cut short as the flag goes up. A clear offside.
Jack Rathborn16 June 2026 02:56
45 mins: Iran 1-1 New Zealand
New Zealand have settled again as we approach the break, and the All Whites venture forward… Callum McCowatt has time and space, but the shot lacks direction.
Iran sniff a second too, Shahriyar Moghanlou flicks a header on with his back to goal, but it’s narrowly over the crossbar!
Jack Rathborn16 June 2026 02:53
GOAL! Rezaeian brings Iran level to spark wild celebrations in Los Angeles
32 mins: Iran 1-1 New Zealand
That was delightful from Iran, New Zealand collapsed on the edge of their own box and Rezaeian was bright and alive to the situation.
His clever, poked finish beats Crocombe and the noise is deafening at SoFi, Iran level!
Jack Rathborn16 June 2026 02:38
New Zealand survive calamitous Crocombe mistake
30 mins: Iran 0-1 New Zealand
CLOSE! Iran nearly expose Crocombe’s blunder. The Millwall goalkeeper is too relaxed on the ball as Mohebi closes him down.
The loose ball then falls to Ghoddos who loops one up and over towards the empty net with Crocombe out of his goal. It’s narrowly wide.
Ghoddos then smashes the ball towards goal but can’t control the power. Iran on top now.
Jack Rathborn16 June 2026 02:35
POST! Taremi denied after dangerous Iran counter-attack
22 mins: Iran 0-1 New Zealand
New Zealand keep backing off and Taremi loves it as he storms forward and lines up a shot.
It was four against two at one point and Taremi opts against passing, curling a lovely strike onto a post. Millwall’s Max Crocombe was beaten!
Jack Rathborn16 June 2026 02:28
Wood wastes glorious chance to double New Zealand lead
14 mins: Iran 0-1 New Zealand
Iran are all over the place inside their own box!
A fluffed clearance sees the ball fall to Chris Wood.
And the Forest striker spins, but can’t locate the ball. A fortunate escape for Iran.
But the noise inside SoFi is deafening for Iran, even at the prospect of a counter-attack.
Jack Rathborn16 June 2026 02:20
New Zealand strike after Just exposes Iran
7 mins: Iran 0-1 New Zealand
GOAL! Elijah Just has smacked home the opener!
It all comes from Chris Wood, superb link-up play, a strong, traditional centre forward, and Iran just couldn’t get around him quick enough.
Just then wallops it, a clean, crisp finish that sends the Kiwis in attendance mad. What a start.
Jack Rathborn16 June 2026 02:12
Iran and New Zealand underway in political World Cup encounter
2 mins: Iran 0-0 New Zealand
Iranian Americans protested ahead of kick-off in Los Angeles, but the Iranian anthem was cheered inside the stadium.
The noise inside SoFi Stadium is all for Iran, loud whistles as the All Whites, wearing black, pass it out, and then lose it in midfield.
Jack Rathborn16 June 2026 02:06
