Iran will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium on Monday night, with both nations aiming to make a strong start in Group G.
For Iran, the tournament presents another opportunity to finally break through the group stage barrier. Despite qualifying for the World Cup on seven occasions, Team Melli have never progressed to the knockout rounds and will be determined to make history this summer.
Amir Ghalenoei’s side arrive in excellent form, having won their last three matches heading into the tournament. However, preparations have been complicated by logistical challenges surrounding travel arrangements for their group-stage fixtures in the United States.
Despite those difficulties, Iran remain favourites for the contest. Ranked among the world’s top 20 nations, they possess significantly more international experience and consistency than their opponents.
New Zealand, meanwhile, are back on football’s biggest stage for the first time since 2010. The All Whites missed the previous three World Cups and will be eager to make their return a memorable one.
Darren Bazeley’s side qualified impressively from the Oceania region, but their recent form has raised concerns. While victories over Ivory Coast and Chile showcased their potential, those results have been overshadowed by a difficult run that has seen them suffer nine defeats in their last 11 matches.
The Oceania representatives will hope to take advantage of any disruption affecting Iran, but they face a difficult challenge against a side widely expected to compete for qualification from the group.
With valuable points at stake from the opening matchday, both teams know that a positive result could prove crucial in shaping their World Cup journey.
Team News
Iran are facing a few injury issues heading into Monday’s fixture, with Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Dennis Eckert and Mehdi Torabi likely to miss out, while Roozbeh Cheshmi will be assessed before their opening encounter.
While those doubts remain, Mehdi Taremi enters the competition as Team Melli’s star forward and the 105-cap No. 9 aims to add to his 60 national team goals.
New Zealand’s hopes rest on captain and centre-forward Chris Wood, who heads into the 2026 tournament with 45 goals in 90 caps.
The Nottingham Forest forward, however, heads into the tournament off the back of a year that saw him sustain a knee injury that kept him out for around six months before his return in April, limiting him to just three Premier League goals in 15 matches.
Possible Lineups
Iran possible starting lineup:
Beiranvand; Rezaeian, Khalilzadeh, Kanaani, Hajsafi; Ezatolahi, Razzaghinia; Mohebi, Ghoddos, Ghayedi; Taremi
New Zealand possible starting lineup:
Crocombe; Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace; Bell, Stamenic; Just, Garbett, Singh; Wood
How to Watch
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | SuperSport |
| Live Stream | DSTV stream |
| Kick-off Time | 02:00am (WAT) |
Match predictions
Softfootball predicts Iran 2-0 New Zealand
While New Zealand ought to be excited about their return to the global stage, it is hard to make a case for the out-of-form All Whites to get the better of Iran on Tuesday.
