The Iran national football team overcame external pressures to focus on football in their first World Cup 2026 match. The team, led by coach Amir Qalenoee and featuring experienced players like Mehdi Taremi and Ramin Rezaeian, competed against New Zealand. Iran's players were able to put aside the controversies and focus on football after the match started. Amir Qalenoee had emphasized before the match that the players should focus on football and ignore the controversies. The Iran national football team was able to threaten New Zealand's goal several times and ultimately finished the match with a draw. Mehdi Taremi was one of Iran's most active players and made a notable run from the middle of the field to the penalty area, hitting the post with his shot. Ramin Rezaeian also made a timely appearance in the penalty area and scored the equalizing goal in response to New Zealand's initial goal by Eli Just.