WATCH: SWAT Teams Escort Iran Team From Mexico To LA For Politically Charged World Cup Opener

Iran's national football team battled to a dramatic 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opening fixture on Monday, navigating an intensely charged atmosphere both on and off the pitch in Los Angeles. The highly anticipated Group G match unfolded under a massive security lockdown, with police patrols, strict perimeter barriers, and an active SWAT presence surrounding the team's Westdrift Manhattan Beach hotel to manage vocal political demonstrations calling for regime change in Tehran. On the pitch, New Zealand attacker Elijah Just stunned the stadium by opening the scoring in the seventh minute and doubling his tally early in the second half. However, a resilient Iranian side clawed their way back twice, courtesy of a composed clinical finish from veteran wing-back Ramin Rezaeian and a powerful far-post header from Mohammad Mohebbi. The hard-fought stalemate leaves all four teams in Group G locked level on one point following a parallel draw between Belgium and Egypt. #iran #newzealand #worldcup2026 #teammelli #losangeles #breakingnews #fifaworldcup #allwhites In this Times Now World News report, we break down the this topic: Stay connected with Times Now World for real-time global news and analysis: Read full coverage: https://www.timesnownews.com/world Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timesnow.world Follow us on X: https://x.com/TimesNow_World #timesnowworld #worldnews #breakingnews