Iran vs New Zealand LIVE Score, FIFA World Cup 2026 Live Updates: Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026, where today Iran will be taking on New Zealand in the Group G opener!
Iran have arrived at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for their seventh appearance on football’s biggest stage, carrying hopes of finally reaching the knockout rounds for the first time. They secured qualification by finishing top of AFC Qualifying Group A in the third round and enter the tournament ranked 20th in the world.
The Iranians have featured in every World Cup since 2014, but a place in the last 16 has continued to elude them. Their previous six appearances have all ended in the group stage, including their most recent campaign at Qatar 2022.
New Zealand head to the 2026 FIFA World Cup looking to make a mark on their return to football’s biggest stage after a 16-year absence. Ranked 85th in the FIFA standings, the All Whites sealed qualification by winning the OFC third round and will be making just their third World Cup appearance.
Their finest campaign came in 2010 when they remained unbeaten in the group stage, earning draws against Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay, although it was not enough to progress. Having missed out on Qatar 2022, New Zealand have benefited from Oceania’s guaranteed World Cup berth in the expanded 48-team tournament and arrive with renewed optimism.
Iran Starting XI (4-4-2)
Beiranvand (gk), Rezaeian, Nemati, Khalilzadeh, Mohammadi, Yousefi, Ghoddos, Ezatolahi, Mohebi, Moghanlou, Taremi
New Zealand Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Crocombe (gk), Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace, Bell, Stamenic, McCowatt, Sarpreet, Just, Wood
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