Iran vs New Zealand Stats, Match Statistics, xG & Player Data
(Los Angeles)
Iran vs New Zealand stats finished as a 2-2 Group G draw at Los Angeles Stadium, where the IR Iran national football team twice recovered after goals from the New Zealand men’s national football team. The Iran squad and fixtures and New Zealand squad and fixtures now move forward with one point each after a match shaped by Elijah Just’s finishing, Chris Wood’s service, and Iran’s stronger xG total. Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi scored Iran’s replies after New Zealand led 1-0 and 2-1.
The result leaves the World Cup 2026 Group G standings and fixtures fully level after Belgium also drew with Egypt. The game at Los Angeles Stadium produced a rare split between chance quality and finishing, with Iran leading xG 1.50 to 1.24 while New Zealand led shots on target 8 to 4. The broader World Cup 2026 stats and records tracker will treat this as an early high-event draw with four goals and 31 total shots.
Iran vs New Zealand Stats – Match Statistics Overview
New Zealand had the slight possession edge with 52%, while Iran finished at 48%. New Zealand completed 376 of 446 passes at 84% accuracy. Iran completed 314 of 409 passes at 77% accuracy and still created the better xG profile.
The scoreline matched the energy of the match. Iran produced 17 shots and 1.50 xG, while New Zealand produced 14 shots and 1.24 xG. New Zealand’s eight shots on target showed sharper accuracy, yet Iran’s two big chances and heavier box pressure kept them alive.
Iran vs New Zealand Stats Snapshot
The full-time snapshot explains why neither side could separate. Iran led xG, total shots, corners, crosses, tackles, clearances, and touches in the opposition box. New Zealand led possession, shots on target, pass accuracy, interceptions, blocks, and goalkeeper saves faced.
| Stat | Iran | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 2 | 2 |
| Possession | 48% | 52% |
| Expected Goals | 1.50 | 1.24 |
| Total Shots | 17 | 14 |
| Shots On Target | 4 | 8 |
| Big Chances | 2 | 2 |
| Corners | 4 | 1 |
| Accurate Passes | 314 | 376 |
Attacking Stats Comparison
Iran carried the stronger chance-quality profile. Their 17 shots included 10 attempts inside the box and seven from outside it. Rezaeian scored in the 32nd minute, then Mohebi headed in the second equalizer after Rezaeian supplied the assist.
New Zealand were more clinical with their target work. Just scored in the 7th and 54th minutes, with Wood assisting both goals. New Zealand took fewer shots overall, but eight on target forced Iran into six goalkeeper saves.
| Stat | Iran | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 2 |
| xG | 1.50 | 1.24 |
| xG Open Play | 1.32 | 0.57 |
| xG Set Play | 0.17 | 0.67 |
| Shots Inside Box | 10 | 10 |
| Shots Outside Box | 7 | 4 |
| Blocked Shots | 5 | 2 |
| Hit Woodwork | 1 | 0 |
Defensive Stats Comparison
Iran defended more actively around the penalty area. They made 17 tackles, 11 interceptions, 27 clearances, and six goalkeeper saves. New Zealand’s accuracy forced those saves, so Iran had to survive several dangerous moments.
New Zealand’s defensive work came through blocks and interceptions. They made 13 tackles, 15 interceptions, five blocks, and 26 clearances. Their structure held often enough to earn a point, but Iran’s late pressure kept New Zealand from protecting either lead.
| Stat | Iran | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Tackles | 17 | 13 |
| Interceptions | 11 | 15 |
| Blocks | 1 | 5 |
| Clearances | 27 | 26 |
| Keeper Saves | 6 | 2 |
| Fouls | 10 | 8 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 0 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
Passing and Possession Analysis
New Zealand used the ball more cleanly. They completed 376 passes from 446 attempts, and their 84% pass accuracy helped them reset pressure after Iran’s equalizers. Iran completed 314 passes from 409 attempts, which kept their attack active enough to outshoot New Zealand.
The passing map still favored different routes. Iran completed six crosses from 19 attempts and generated 25 touches in the opposition box. New Zealand completed one cross from 12 attempts, yet Wood’s two assists showed how direct service can still decide major moments.
| Stat | Iran | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Total Passes | 409 | 446 |
| Accurate Passes | 314 (77%) | 376 (84%) |
| Own Half Passes | 180 | 225 |
| Opposition Half Passes | 134 | 151 |
| Accurate Long Balls | 27 (44%) | 21 (53%) |
| Accurate Crosses | 6 (32%) | 1 (8%) |
| Touches In Opposition Box | 25 | 21 |
| Offsides | 2 | 0 |
Key Player Statistics
Elijah Just delivered the standout individual performance with two goals from two shots. Rezaeian was Iran’s most complete contributor because he scored once, assisted once, created three chances, and won all six of his recorded ground duels. Wood also shaped the match without scoring, creating four chances and assisting both New Zealand goals.
Iran – Ramin Rezaeian
Rezaeian gave Iran the first response after New Zealand’s early goal. He scored in the 32nd minute and later assisted Mohebi’s 64th-minute header. His three chances created made him Iran’s main attacking outlet from deeper areas.
New Zealand – Elijah Just
Just turned New Zealand’s attacking plan into goals. He scored in the 7th minute and again in the 54th minute, both from Wood assists. His finishing gave New Zealand two leads, even though Iran finished with the higher xG total.
Expected Goals Analysis
Iran led the xG battle 1.50 to 1.24, which reflects their higher shot volume and stronger open-play creation. They generated 1.32 xG from open play and added 0.17 from set plays. New Zealand’s 0.57 open-play xG was lower, but their finishing carried the scoreline.
New Zealand’s set-play xG reached 0.67, giving them a different path to danger. Both teams created two big chances and missed none, which explains the 2-2 finish. The xG profile says Iran had the better repeatable chance base, while New Zealand had the cleaner finishing touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score in Iran vs New Zealand?
Iran and New Zealand drew 2-2 in Group G at Los Angeles Stadium.
Who led the Iran vs New Zealand xG stats?
Iran led the xG count 1.50 to 1.24, despite New Zealand placing more shots on target.
How many shots did Iran and New Zealand have?
Iran had 17 total shots and four on target. New Zealand had 14 total shots and eight on target.
Who were the key players in Iran vs New Zealand stats?
Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand. Ramin Rezaeian scored and assisted for Iran, while Chris Wood assisted both New Zealand goals.
What does the draw mean for Group G?
Iran and New Zealand each moved to one point, leaving Group G level after Belgium also drew with Egypt.
Iran vs New Zealand stats show a draw built on two different strengths.
Iran carried the better xG and shot volume, while New Zealand turned target accuracy into two leads.
Both teams now leave Los Angeles with one point, four goals shared, and a wide-open Group G race.
