Iran
New Zealand
Iran vs New Zealand Predictions, Picks & Odds – 16/06/2026
World Cup · 1Best odds to bet on Iran vs New Zealand
| Bookmaker | 1 | X | 2 | Bonus info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
LiveScore Bet | 1.84 | 3.30 | 4.40 | View Odds |
Grosvenor | 1.85 | 3.30 | 4.50 | View Odds |
Matchbook | 1.99 | 3.45 | 4.70 | View Odds |
| Smarkets | 1.97 | 3.45 | 4.60 | View Odds |
Virgin Bet | 1.84 | 3.30 | 4.40 | View Odds |
William Hill | 1.85 | 3.10 | 4.40 | View Odds |
| Coral | 2.60 | 2.00 | 4.60 | View Odds |
| Ladbrokes | 2.50 | 2.00 | 4.50 | View Odds |
Betfred | 1.95 | 3.25 | 4.20 | View odds |
| betmgm.se | 1.87 | 3.35 | 4.60 | View odds |
| BetVictor | 1.90 | 3.25 | 4.33 | View odds |
Iran vs New Zealand Preview
Iran arrive at their seventh World Cup in encouraging shape, having won three consecutive matches against Costa Rica, Mali, and Gambia, keeping clean sheets in two of those victories. Off the pitch, however, preparations have been far from smooth. Visa delays and security concerns forced a base camp relocation from the United States to Tijuana, Mexico, meaning the squad will travel to Los Angeles on matchday. Despite the disruption, Amir Ghalenoei's side carry genuine momentum into this Group G opener.
New Zealand return to the World Cup stage after a 16-year absence, and their recent form offers little cause for optimism. A 4-0 defeat to Haiti in a warm-up fixture exposed significant defensive frailties, and Darren Bazeley's men have lost three of their last four outings. Ranked 85th in the world, the All Whites face a steep challenge in Los Angeles. Bazeley is expected to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation as his side seek a historic result.
Iran's home win at 1.84 represents the standout selection in this fixture. Ranked 65 places above New Zealand in the world rankings, Team Melli carry genuine pedigree into this Group G opener. Three successive victories with an average of 2.5 goals scored per match over recent months underline their attacking potency, while two clean sheets in that run point to defensive solidity.
New Zealand's form heading into the tournament is deeply troubling. A 4-0 thrashing by Haiti in their final warm-up exposed significant vulnerabilities, and their recent sequence reads three defeats from four outings. Coach Darren Bazeley's side return to the World Cup stage after a 16-year absence, and the gulf in competitive experience at this level could prove decisive under the lights in Los Angeles.
The under 2.5 goals market at 1.67 also merits consideration. Iran's two recent clean sheets suggest a side comfortable sitting deep and controlling proceedings, while New Zealand may adopt a cautious 4-2-3-1 shape to limit damage. This is a preview of an upcoming match and should not be considered as betting advice or a recommendation to place bets.
Trends to Know about Iran vs New Zealand
- Iran won three of last four matches
- New Zealand lost three of last four
- Iran averaged 2.5 goals per match recently
Form & Statistics: Iran vs New Zealand
Iran
Recent form
Season statistics (3)
New Zealand
Recent form
Season statistics (4)
Lineups: Iran vs New Zealand
Iran
Starters
- 1 Alireza Beiranvand
- 2 Aria Yousefi
- 3 Shoja Khalilzadeh
- 4 Ali Nemati
- 5 Milad Mohammadi
- 6 Saeid Ezatolahi
- 7 Saman Ghoddos
- 8 Mohammad Mohebi
- 9 Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh
- 10 Mehdi Taremi
- 11 Mehdi Ghayedi
Bench
- Hossein Hosseini
- Mohammad Ghorbani
- Ramin Rezaeian
- Shahriar Moghanlou
- Omid Ebrahimi
- Ali Alipour
- Allahyar Sayyadmanesh
Absent
- Ali Gholizadeh (Season-ending knee injury (torn ACL))
- Sardar Azmoun (Left behind for disciplinary reasons)
New Zealand
Starters
- 1 Maxime Teremoana Crocombe
- 2 Tim Payne
- 3 Michael Boxall
- 4 Finn Surman
- 5 Liberato Cacace
- 6 Joe Bell
- 7 Marko Stamenic
- 8 Elijah Just
- 9 Sarpreet Singh
- 10 Matthew Garbett
- 11 Chris Wood
Bench
- Oliver Sail
- Tommy Smith
- Alex Rufer
- Lachlan Bayliss
- Ben Old
- Kosta Barbarouses
- Callum McCowatt
Medium confidence
A 4-3-3 against a 4-2-3-1 shapes this opening World Cup fixture, with Iran leaning on Mehdi Taremi's experience to lead the line and stretch New Zealand's defensive block. The All Whites' double pivot of Bell and Stamenic will be central to whether they can contain Iran's wider attacking threats.
Chris Wood carries the weight of New Zealand's ambitions up front, supported by a creative trio behind him. Both lineups are drawn from multiple credible sources, so the tactical picture is reasonably settled ahead of kickoff, giving managers and supporters a clear sense of how each side intends to set up.
How to Watch Iran vs New Zealand Match?
What time is Iran vs New Zealand?
Iran vs New Zealand kicks off at the Los Angeles Stadium on 16 June 2026 at 02:00 BST.
Where is Iran vs New Zealand being played?
This match takes place at the Los Angeles Stadium in Los Angeles, California.
How Can I Watch Iran vs New Zealand on TV and Live Stream?
Check local listings for broadcast details, as coverage varies by region.