The FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Iran and New Zealand ended in a 2-2 draw at the Los Angeles Stadium in California.
During the match, New Zealand`s attacking midfielder Sarpreet Singh became the first footballer of Indian origin to start in a FIFA World Cup match. He was born in Auckland to Punjabi parents and also had a few attempts at the Iranian goal.
Head coach Darren Bazeley named him in the playing XI and substituted him only in the 90th minute. Donning the number 10 jersey, Sarpreet fired three shots at the Iranian goal, including one in the 61st minute, which could not beat the Iranian goalkeeper.
Earlier, Sarpreet became the first player of Indian descent to play in the German first division league when he debuted for Bayern Munich in 2019. He joined the club from the Australian A-League side Wellington Phoenix. He came on as a substitute against Werder Bremen. Initially, Sarpreet was with Bayern`s reserve team in the third division, but his impressive performances earned him a first-team debut under then-manager Hansi Flick. Sarpreet made his first senior start for Bayern Munich on June 20, 2020, against SC Freiburg. He was part of the squad that won the Bundesliga title in the 2019-2020 season.
During the match, New Zealand`s Elijah Just netted the first goal in just the seventh minute. The Iranians bounced back as soon as Ramim Rezaeian registered their score levelling goal in the 32nd minute of the game.
Soon after Iran`s goal, New Zealand`s Just scored another one in the 55th minute. But they were unable to keep the lead for a longer time as Iran`s Mohammad Mohebi fired a goal in the 64th minute.
FIFA World Cup 2026, June 17: Matches and venues
On the other hand, the fans will be excited to watch several big teams take the field on June 17. France will lock horns with Senegal at 12.30 am at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. Later, Iraq will clash against Norway at 3.30 am at the Boston Stadium in Massachusetts.
One of football`s superstars, Lionel Messi, will be in action during Argentina`s campaign-opening match against Algeria at 6.30 am at the Kansas City Stadium in Missouri. Austria will also clash against Jordan at 9.30 am at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in California.
The day`s play will end with fans witnessing the superstar Cristiano Ronaldo making his appearance in Portugal`s match against DR Congo at 10.30 pm at the Houston Stadium in Texas.
(With PTI Inputs)
