Iran vs New Zealand Predictions - Iran set for opening win over New Zealand at World Cup

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 15 Jun 2026

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Ralph Staniforth 15 Jun 2026

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Iran enter with 3 wins in a row and strong defense.
New Zealand have just 1 win in their last 10 matches.
Iran are predicted to win due to greater consistency.

Expired

Iran (Getty Images)

Iran vs New Zealand Predictions

This is a massive game for both sides as the winner is likely to be challenging for the next round. Belgium and Egypt find themselves in this group, so it is likely that these two, along with Egypt are fighting for second and possibly third.

Iran have the form coming into the tournament while New Zealand have been inconsistent, however, they are relatively solid defensively.

Iran have won their last three matches in all competitions.
New Zealand have lost eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
New Zealand have failed to score in four of their last five matches in all competitions.

Head to Head

This will be the first time that Iran and New Zealand clash.

Iran Form

Despite their political issues, Iran have been a model of focus and consistency on the field. They had a smooth qualifying campaign, claiming seven wins and two draws from 10 matches.

The build-up to the World Cup has also been pretty smooth for Iran, who have won their last three matches in all competitions. Amir Ghalenoel’s men claimed a 2-0 victory over Mali in their final pre-tournament fixture.

One key aspect of Iran’s recent good form is their defensive solidity, having kept clean sheets in two of their last three matches. However, the 5-0 victory over Costa Rica in March, shows that Team Melli also boast plenty of quality in attack.

New Zealand Form

New Zealand had no real challengers in the Oceania qualifiers and made smooth progress to the World Cup. They maintained a 100% percent record in the group stage before claiming a 3-0 victory over New Caledonia in the final round of qualifying.

However, things have been poor lately as New Zealand tend to find things difficult outside their region. The All Whites have picked up just one win in their last 10 matches in all competitions, suffering eight defeats in this run.

There have been some heavy defeats among New Zealand’s recent results like the 4-0 thrashing to Haiti. They also struggle to produce much going forward and have failed to score in four of their last five matches in all competitions.

Iran vs New Zealand News and Predicted Lineups

Iran (4-4-2): Alireza Beiranvand; Saleh Hardani, Shojae Khalizadeh, Ali Nemati, Milad Mohammadi; Mehdi Ghayedi, Saeid Ezatolahi, Saman Ghoddos, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Shariyah Moghanlou, Mehdi Taremi.

Iran have no injuries or suspensions heading into their opening fixture and could stick with much of the team that beat Mali in their final friendly. Taremi should lead the line once again, while Khalizadeh and Nemati are set to continue their defensive partnership.

New Zealand (4-2-3-1): Max Crocombe; Tim Payne, Finn Surman, Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace; Joe Bell, Marko Stamenic; Matthew Garnett, Sarpreet Singh, Elijah Just; Chris Wood.

New Zealand have a fully fit squad heading into their Group G opener. As always, Captain Wood is expected to lead the line while Surman should continue at the heart of the defence.

Verdict

Iran v New Zealand

Iran have shown some quality and consistency on the international stage and will be feeling confident heading into this clash.

They should have the upper hand over New Zealand, who often struggle at this level and have been out of sorts lately.

Iran

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