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New Zealand are back at the World Cup for the first time since 2010, and the All Whites open Group G against Iran at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Here are our New Zealand v Iran tips and preview for a clash between the tournament’s lowest-ranked side and a battle-hardened Iran outfit at their fourth straight finals.
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New Zealand (All Whites) form & lead-up
New Zealand cruised through Oceania qualifying — winning all five games, scoring 29 and conceding just one — to reach their first World Cup in 16 years. The lead-up has been less convincing: a chastening 4-0 friendly loss to Haiti exposed a defence barely tested in qualifying, and coach Darren Bazeley has leaned toward a compact, counter-attacking approach. As the lowest-ranked team at the tournament, the All Whites are firm underdogs.
Iran form & lead-up
Iran qualified comfortably for a fourth straight World Cup, topping their Asian group (11 wins, four draws, one loss). Their preparation has been limited by geopolitical constraints, and the big story is the omission of star striker Sardar Azmoun — a significant attacking void — but they remain the deeper, more experienced side.
Key players
New Zealand: captain and talisman Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest), the country’s all-time leading scorer, leads the line, supported by Liberato Cacace and goalkeeper Max Crocombe. Iran: Mehdi Taremi (Olympiacos) is the dangerman with over 50 international goals, alongside experienced captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh and No.1 keeper Alireza Beiranvand.
New Zealand v Iran betting tips & best bets
The market makes Iran favourites at around $1.85, with New Zealand out near $4.50 and the draw about $3.20. Both sides are set up to defend and counter, so a tight, low-scoring opener is on the cards — Under 2.5 goals (~$1.75) is the standout play. Iran’s greater depth and tournament pedigree make them the side to beat, but Azmoun’s absence and a rusty preparation give New Zealand a puncher’s chance of a point.
Odds are indicative early markets and will move — confirm the live price with your bookmaker before betting.
Group G context
Group G also contains Belgium (the clear favourites) and Egypt, with Iran and Egypt expected to fight for second and New Zealand widely tipped to finish bottom. The Iran opener is realistically the All Whites’ most winnable game on paper. Full breakdown in our World Cup 2026 Group G preview and outright tips.
How to watch New Zealand v Iran in Australia
The match is live and free on SBS and SBS On Demand — all 104 World Cup matches are free-to-air. Check our World Cup 2026 SBS TV guide for the exact kick-off time in Australian time.
Where to bet on the World Cup in Australia
New Zealand’s first World Cup in 16 years headlines Group G. For the deepest World Cup match and outright markets, bet365 leads, with Ladbrokes and Neds strong for multis and same-game multis. Compare markets in our best betting sites in Australia guide.
More World Cup 2026 coverage
- World Cup 2026 Group G preview
- World Cup 2026 preview & outright tips
- World Cup 2026 schedule & SBS TV guide
FAQ
When do New Zealand play Iran?
Monday 15 June 2026 in Los Angeles (early hours Tuesday 16 June AEST) — the All Whites’ World Cup Group G opener.
Who is favourite?
Iran are favourites at around $1.85, with New Zealand the outsiders near $4.50.
How can I watch it in Australia?
Live and free on SBS and SBS On Demand.
Who is in New Zealand’s World Cup group?
Group G: New Zealand, Iran, Egypt and Belgium.
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