Oceania's lone representatives New Zealand twice found a way back to draw 2–2 with Iran — a thoroughly respectable World Cup point for the All Whites against seasoned Asian opposition.

Iran edged the underlying numbers — more total shots (17 v 14), more corners (4 v 1) and a marginally higher xG (1.50 v 1.24) — yet had to come from behind twice, a sign their volume of attempts lacked the cutting edge of New Zealand's. The Kiwis were brutally efficient: from 14 shots they landed 8 on target to Iran's 4, and twice took the lead through Elijah Just, both times set up by Chris Wood, turning a modest xG into two goals. Iran keeper Alireza Beiranvand's six saves kept the deficit at one each time and bought the platform for Ramin Rezaeian's equaliser and his assist for Mohammad Mohebi's leveller. With no red cards and a clean-ish foul count (10-8), this was a fair, open 2-2 where finishing quality, not territorial dominance, decided the scoreline.