Iran vs New Zealand Preview: In a 2026 FIFA World Cup opener at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles on Monday, 16 June 2026 (03:00 SAST (Monday, 16 June 2026)). Iran arrive on a three-match winning streak; New Zealand have never won a World Cup match in six attempts. Our prediction: Iran to win.
Match details
| Field | Detail |
| Competition | 2026 FIFA World Cup — Group G |
| Date & kick-off | Monday, 16 June 2026 at 03:00 SAST (Monday, 16 June 2026) |
| Venue | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Where to watch | DSTV/GOTV |
New Zealand’s long wait vs Iran’s winning momentum
New Zealand return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 — their third appearance in the tournament’s history. That 2010 campaign in South Africa remains their best: they finished the group stage unbeaten, drawing against Slovakia, Italy, and Paraguay. But those three draws also underline the difficulty they face in this opener: New Zealand have never won a World Cup finals match in six attempts. Only Honduras (9 matches) and Egypt (7 matches) have played more World Cup games without a victory.
Their qualification route through the OFC was dominant: big wins over Tahiti (3-0), Vanuatu (8-1), and Samoa (8-0) set up a third-round play-off against Fiji, which they won 7-0 in Wellington and then sealed with a 3-0 win over New Caledonia in Auckland. With OFC receiving a direct World Cup berth for the first time, there was significant anticipation across the region.
Iran’s preparation has been shaped by the geopolitical context of this tournament in a way no other side has experienced. Due to visa constraints managed by the US Department of Homeland Security, the squad has been forced to base their tournament camp across the border in Tijuana, Mexico — commuting daily to training and match venues in the United States. Despite this significant logistical challenge, Iran arrived in the country on Sunday and held a press conference on the same day a peace deal between the US and Iran was announced.
On the pitch, Iran carry positive momentum: three consecutive wins heading into the tournament, keeping clean sheets in a 5-0 win over Costa Rica and a 2-0 win over Mali, with a 3-1 win over Gambia in between. They have won at least one game at each of the last two World Cups (2018 and 2022) and will be targeting a third straight tournament win to boost their round-of-32 ambitions.
Team news and expected line-ups
Iran head into this opener with a fully fit squad. Roozbeh Cheshmi (hamstring) and Mehdi Torabi (calf) have both returned to full training after recovering from injuries. Saeid Ezatolahi has also overcome a foot problem and is expected to start in central midfield. Mehdi Taremi leads the attack.
New Zealand are also fully fit. Chris Wood, the Nottingham Forest striker, is the focal point of their attack and their primary aerial threat. New Zealand’s approach will rely heavily on getting the ball into Wood, and if Iran’s midfield double-pivot of Ezatolahi and Razzaghinia cuts off those supply lines, the All Whites will find chances difficult to create.
Iran vs New Zealand Preview: Line-ups below are expected XIs based on available team news. Update once confirmed XIs are released before kick-off.
| New Zealand (4-4-2) | Iran (4-2-3-1) |
| Crocombe (GK) | Beiranvand (GK) |
| Payne (RB) | Rezaeian (RB) |
| Surman (CB) | Khalilzadeh (CB) |
| Boxall (CB) | Kanaani (CB) |
| Cacace (LB) | Hajsafi (LB) |
| Bell (CM) | Ezatolahi (DM) |
| Stamenic (CM) | Razzaghinia (DM) |
| Just (RM) | Mohebi (RM) |
| Garbett (AM) | Ghoddos (AM) |
| Singh (LM) | Ghayedi (LM) |
| Wood (ST) | Taremi (ST) |
Key stats
- New Zealand: third ever World Cup appearance. Last appearance: 2010 South Africa.
- New Zealand: W0 D3 L3 in six World Cup matches — never won a World Cup finals game. Only Honduras (9) and Egypt (7) have played more without a win.
- New Zealand 2010 record: three draws (Slovakia, Italy, Paraguay) — finished group stage unbeaten but did not advance.
- New Zealand OFC qualification: beat Tahiti 3-0, Vanuatu 8-1, Samoa 8-0, Fiji 7-0, New Caledonia 3-0.
- Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest): New Zealand’s primary aerial threat and leading goalscorer.
- Iran: won at least one game at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Three-match winning streak heading into the tournament.
- Iran pre-tournament form: W3 — beat Costa Rica 5-0, Gambia 3-1, Mali 2-0. Clean sheets in last two.
- Iran squad situation: tournament base camp in Tijuana, Mexico due to US visa constraints.
- Saeid Ezatolahi, Roozbeh Cheshmi, Mehdi Torabi: all fit after recovering from pre-tournament injuries.
- H2H: Iran 0-0 New Zealand (Aug 1973, friendly); Iran 3-0 New Zealand (Oct 2003, AFC-OFC Challenge). Iran lead series 1-0-1.
- Group: {{GROUP_CONFIRM}} [REQUIRES REVIEW — confirm with editorial team before publishing].
Head-to-head
Iran and New Zealand have met twice previously, both in non-competitive fixtures. The first encounter in Auckland in 1973 ended goalless. When they met again in Tehran in 2003, Iran won 3-0. This World Cup match will be their first ever competitive fixture.
| Date | Result |
| 12 August 1973 | Iran 0–0 New Zealand (Friendly, Auckland) |
| 12 October 2003 | Iran 3–0 New Zealand (AFC-OFC Challenge, Tehran) |
Current form
| Team | Last 5 (all comps) |
| Iran | W W W — three-match winning streak into the tournament (Costa Rica 0-5, Gambia 1-3, Mali 0-2) |
| New Zealand | Mixed — lost 0-4 to Haiti in final warm-up; strong OFC qualifying record |
Our prediction
Iran are the clear favourites on recent form and squad depth. Three consecutive wins, including two clean sheet victories over Costa Rica and Mali, show a team in good shape heading into the tournament. Their midfield double-pivot will be key to restricting New Zealand’s primary source of attacking threat — supply to Chris Wood — and if that is neutralised, the All Whites will struggle to create the chances they need.
New Zealand carry the motivation of chasing a first ever World Cup win, and the significance of that milestone should not be underestimated as a factor. Their 2010 run showed they are capable of being difficult to beat, and their OFC qualification form was dominant. But losses against non-Oceania opposition — including a 4-0 warm-up defeat to Haiti — are a concern. Taremi and Iran’s attacking players will target that vulnerability.
Our prediction: Iran to win.
Odds and markets
Odds correct at 0300hrs UTC on 16/06/26 and subject to change.
How to bet on SportPesa
- Open the Iran vs New Zealand event page on SportPesa (link above).
- Choose your market — Single Bet (SB), Multi-Bet (MB), or Live Bet (LB) once the match starts.
- Enter your stake and place your bet.
Frequently asked questions
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What time does Iran vs New Zealand kick off?
Kick-off is at 03:00 SAST (Monday, 16 June 2026) on Monday, 16 June 2026, at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Has New Zealand ever won a World Cup match?
No. New Zealand have played six World Cup finals matches (1982 and 2010) and have never won one, recording three draws and three defeats. Only Honduras and Egypt have played more finals matches without a win.
What is the Iran vs New Zealand head-to-head record?
The sides have met twice: a goalless draw in Auckland in 1973 and a 3-0 Iran win in Tehran in 2003 at the AFC-OFC Challenge. This World Cup match is their first ever competitive encounter.
Why is Iran based in Mexico for the World Cup?
Due to visa constraints and geopolitical arrangements managed by the US Department of Homeland Security, Iran’s squad has been required to base their tournament camp in Tijuana, Mexico, crossing the border daily for training and matches in the United States.
Who are Iran’s key players at World Cup 2026?
Mehdi Taremi leads the attack and is Iran’s most dangerous forward. Saeid Ezatolahi anchors the midfield and will be central to disrupting New Zealand’s supply to Chris Wood.
Who is New Zealand’s key player at World Cup 2026?
Chris Wood, the Nottingham Forest striker, is New Zealand’s primary goalscoring threat and the focal point of their attacking play. Aerial service to Wood is their main method of creating chances.
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