Iran face New Zealand in their opening Group G encounter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Iran come into this tournament looking to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time, whilst New Zealand are back at the World Cup for the first time since 2010.
Team News
Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Rouzbeh Cheshmi are doubts for Iran due respective leg and muscle injuries.
New Zealand could be without Joe Bell and Ryan Thomas due to respective calf and hamstring injuries.
When is Kick-Off?
Iran face New Zealand at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, USA, on Monday 15 June at 6pm PDT (2am BST, Tuesday 16 June), live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Iran’s first World Cup clash against New Zealand.
- New Zealand are yet to beat Iran in all competitions after two previous meetings (D1, L1).
- Iran are yet to concede against New Zealand, having drawn 0-0 in a friendly in August 1973 then won 3-0 in an AFC-OFC Challenge in August 2003.
- Ramin Rezaeian has scored in Iran’s last two matches (W2).
- New Zealand have won one of four matches in 2026 (W1, L3).
Prediction
Knowing that this is their best chance at escaping this stage of the tournament for the first time, Iran are aware that a winning start is imperative if they’re to reach the knockout stage and they have found some form in their last three matches.
New Zealand on the other hand lacked clinical quality against England and a big improvement is needed because with games against Egypt and Belgium to come, they can’t afford to slip up here if want any chance of getting out of the group.
I however feel that Iran have the momentum and should win this pretty comfortably if the Kiwis don’t bring their top quality.
Prediction: Iran 2-0 New Zealand
Result: Iran 2-2 New Zealand
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