Rating 1 – 10
IRAN played New Zealand in the first match of FIFA World Cup 2026. The match ended in a 2-2 draw. Here are the players’ ratings.
Starting Lineup
Alireza Beiranvand – [5.5]
Conceded two goals that a top-level keeper should have kept out—the second in particular was inexcusable. He handled his routine duties competently enough, but his chronic slowness in distribution remains a liability. A late-game dribble past an onrushing New Zealand forward nearly produced a calamity; luck, not judgment, saved him.
Milad Mohammadi – [6]
A subdued and largely forgettable display. Offered little going forward, with none of the trademark overlapping runs or telling crosses that make him a threat on the left. Defensively solid without being tested, but at this level, “solid” is the bare minimum.
Ali Nemati – [6]
Caught out of position on New Zealand’s first goal, failing to track Just with any conviction. Beyond that lapse, he recovered reasonably well and avoided further disasters. Still, his marking left a lot to be desired. He headed brilliantly into the New Zealand goal from a cross, which was ruled offside.
Shoja Khalilzadeh – [5.5]
At fault for both goals—first for losing Chris Wood in the box, then again for failing to close him down on the assist for the second. A couple of reckless tackles flirted dangerously with a yellow card. For a player of his experience, this was a night to forget.
Ramin Rezaeian – [8.5]
Undoubtedly Iran’s best performer. A goal and an assist, combined with relentless energy, made him the clear Man of the Match. That said, even he had moments of frustration—wayward crosses and occasional lapses in positioning—but his overall contribution was decisive and inspired.
Aria Yousefi – [5]
Deployed entirely out of position, and it showed. Struggled to influence play and looked uncomfortable throughout. A couple of ambitious efforts on goal offered fleeting promise, but he was largely a passenger in a role that didn’t suit him.
Saeid Ezatollahi – [5]
A deeply disappointing outing from the midfielder. Offered little in attack or defense, with only a handful of tame, ineffective shots to show for his efforts. His poor marking and weak tackling directly contributed to New Zealand’s opening goal. Far below the standard required.
Saman Ghoddos – [5.5]
A match to forget for the usually composed playmaker. He was sluggish in possession, visibly faded in stamina as the game wore on, and failed to supply the forwards with any meaningful service. The creative burden fell almost entirely on the wing-backs—Ghoddos was a bystander.
Mohammad Mohebi – [7.5]
Scored a brilliant header to level the score and was a constant threat in the final third. However, his link-up play with Taremi and Moghanlou lacked cohesion, and his careless loss of possession directly led to New Zealand’s second goal. A performance of highs and lows—his goal should not mask his costly error.
Mehdi Taremi – [6.5]
The captain carried heavy expectations but delivered only flashes. His curling strike off the woodwork was the highlight of an otherwise muted display. His partnership with Moghanlou never clicked, and too often he dropped deep, leaving the attack isolated. For a player of his stature, this was not enough.
Shahriar Moghanlou – [6]
His most meaningful contribution came at the other end—a vital block to deny Chris Wood what would have been a second goal for New Zealand. Beyond that, he offered little in attack, registering no shots on target and struggling to impose his physical game.
Substitutes
Mehdi Ghayedi – [6]
Showed early promise after his second-half introduction, with quick feet and a willingness to take on defenders. But his influence faded rapidly, and he failed to sustain any real threat. His dribbling ability remains an asset Ghalenoei should consider using more wisely—and earlier.
Ali Alipour – [5]
Made virtually no impact against a resolute New Zealand defense. The disjointed nature of Iran’s forward line did him no favors, but he offered little movement or creativity to change that. Ineffective and anonymous.
Ehsan Haji Safi – [5]
Deployed in an unfamiliar defensive midfield role rather than his preferred left-sided position. He performed adequately in possession but was exposed defensively, earning a needless yellow card after being easily bypassed by his marker. At 35, his versatility is commendable, but this was not his night.
Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh – [N/A]
Introduced too late to make any meaningful contribution. No rating.