Bell, New Zealand Share Points With IR Iran in World Cup Opener

June 15, 2026 • IR Iran 2-2 New Zealand

IR Iran goals: Rezaeian (32), Mohebbi (64) 
New Zealand goals: Just (7, 54)

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Former Cavalier standout Joe Bell played the full 90 minutes making his FIFA World Cup debut for New Zealand. Despite taking the lead on two occasions, New Zealand was denied its first-ever World Cup victory, sharing the points in a 2-2 draw with IR Iran. 

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.

NEW ZEALAND SCORES ITS FIRST GOAL OF THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP! 🇳🇿

Elijah Just puts it in the net! pic.twitter.com/lzkYOijn8w

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2026

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. The go-ahead goal was scored off a counter attack which was launched by Bell who won the ball at midfield to set the attack in motion. 

"This is fabulous from New Zealand!" - @JacquiOatley 🗣️

Just bags his brace! pic.twitter.com/IwdIulN8GN

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2026

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.

June 13, 2026 • Haiti 0-1 Scotland

Scotland goals: McGinn (29)

FOXBORO, Mass. – In a game of few clearcut chances, its was a first-half goal from John McGinn that lifted Scotland past Haiti in the second Group C match at the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

The opening minutes of the match in Boston were back and forth, with both sides looking to find their footing in front of a raucous crowd. Scott McTominay headed over the bar seven minutes into the game and hit the post soon after as Steve Clarke's men began to turn the screw.

A spirited Haiti continued to put pressure on the Scots, but in the 29th minute John McGinn started the party for the Tartan Army. Forward Che Adams deftly brought down a long ball and laid it off to Ben Gannon-Doak who swung it towards the near post, and while Haiti cut that out, McGinn was waiting on the edge of the box to fire home the rebound with the aid of a deflection.

After the hydration break Haiti found a bit more space creating several half chances. Ruben Providence came closest for the Concacaf nation, cutting in from the wing and whipping a low shot which Angus Gunn couldn't hold on to leading to a frenetic penalty-box scramble.

The second half was equally energetic but produced few clear-cut chances. McGinn could have added a second to his tally after finding himself in space in the Haitian penalty area, but the Aston Villa man fired wide under pressure from Ricardo Ade.

Moments later Providence almost created a goal from nothing for Haiti. The winger sent a low cross through the penalty area but Wilson Isidor was unable to connect at the far post.

Haiti had one more chance to level the score late in the game. Frantdzy Pierrot rose above the Scottish defenders to attack a cross whipped in from the right wing. Pierrot, who had been a handful for the Scots all game, made excellent contact but the ball went just wide of the far post.