2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Two Draws Last Night; Uruguay Disappoints, Iran Performs Well

Two draws marked the night matches of the 2026 World Cup. In Group H, Uruguay could only manage a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia in Miami. The team led by Marcelo Bielsa looked lackluster and was caught off guard in the 41st minute by a goal from defender Abdulelah Al Amri. In the second half, the “Celeste” increased their offensive pressure, finding the equalizer in the 80th minute thanks to Maxi Araujo.

It was all spectacle and goals, however, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where Iran and New Zealand drew 2-2 in their opening match in front of approximately 70,000 spectators.

The New Zealanders took the lead twice, but Iran managed to respond both times, earning a valuable point. With this result, all teams in Group G are tied in the standings after the first matchday, following the 1-1 draw between Belgium and Egypt. Elijah Just was the star for New Zealand, scoring a brace (7’ and 55’), while Ramin Rezaeian (32’) and Mohammad Mohebi (64’) found the net for Iran.