Born in Auckland to Punjabi parents, the 27-year-old Sarpreet made his World Cup debut in the politically-charged match and had a few attempts at the Iranian goal.

Most in the Iranian capital were asleep when the match against New Zealand kicked off at 4:30 am. But in one of the few cafes open to broadcast the match, there was already a buzz of excitement.

All three matches on Day 5 of the FIFA World Cup ended in stalemates. The biggest shock was Spain's 0-0 draw against debutants Cape Verde.

What's interesting is that Iran's next match is also at SoFi Stadium, where their game against New Zealand was held, on Sunday.

Iran midfielder Mohammad Mohebi scored in the FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against New Zealand but sparked controversy with his gun-firing celebration.

Several hundred Iranian Americans protested Iran's first World Cup match in Los Angeles, waving the banned lion-and-sun flag and calling for change in Tehran amid community divisions.

Iran twice battled back for a 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday in their frenetic opening match of a World Cup campaign that has been utterly overshadowed by war, politics and protests.

Iran vs New Zealand, FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Highlights: Iran opened their politically charged World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand on Monday night, coming from behind twice.

Group G of FIFA World Cup 2026 has Iran, Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.

Harry Kane's 79th international goal edged England to a 1-0 win over New Zealand as the Three Lions' World Cup preparations got off to an underwhelming start in the Florida heat on Saturday.

Chris Wood urged New Zealand to "create some history" after he was named captain Thursday of the World Cup squad who will be chasing a first-ever win at the global showpiece.

The World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico has been expanded to 48 teams, meaning direct qualification for the best team from Oceania.

Germany came crashing back down to earth at the hands of a Colombia side inspired by 18-year-old Linda Caicedo and roared on by the majority of a rowdy 40,000 crowd in Sydney.

The Philippines claimed a historic first World Cup win on Tuesday as they stunned co-hosts New Zealand 1-0 thanks to a first-half Sarina Bolden header.