Iran vs New Zealand Preview & Tips - New Zealand's 2026 World Cup to begin with damaging loss to Iran
- New Zealand have lost their last two matches
- Iran have won their last three games
- Preview, stats & head to head
-13066213.jpg/public)
Chris Wood of New Zealand (Getty Images)
Iran vs New Zealand Preview & Tips
Iran arrive for their opening match of the 2026 World Cup on the back of a solid five-game winning run this year.
New Zealand have struggled across their last six, with a single win coming in a run that has also featured five defeats.
- New Zealand have lost five of their last six (W1)
Head To Head
This will be the first time the two sides have played against one-another.
Iran Form
Iran head into a tough World Cup pool with Group G boasting a range of quality sides with New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt to come.
Heading into the tournament, Iran boast wins over Costa Rica (5-0), Gambia (3-1) and Mali (2-0) in a solid run. While none of the sides are of a particularly high quality, building a winning run heading into a major tournament is crucial, and that is exactly what Iran have done.
Their clash with New Zealand is something of an unknown quantity considering this is the first time the pair have met in a competitive game. The odds suggest that Iran are the side to back in this one, and I predict that they will come away with the win as they kickstart their hopes of getting out of the group.
New Zealand Form
New Zealand will be seen as the big underdogs to get out of their World Cup group, and this will be even more relevant if they are to lose their first and most winnable game against Iran.
Heading into the tournament, New Zealand managed to keep England to a single goal as the latter won 1-0. While they did only concede once, the quality of the game was low as England struggled to move through the gears. It will be even more worrying for New Zealand that they barely threatened an England side that were a long way short of their best.
With five defeats across their last six outings, it is tough to back New Zealand in this one. They will look to be tough to breach at the back but if they concede the first goal, do they have anything to put serious pressure on their opponents?
Verdict
I am backing Iran to hand New Zealand what will likely be a World Cup defining loss for the latter as they lose their most winnable game.
Iran
Match Winner
@5/6 - 1 Unit
Bet £5, Get £20 + 2 Odds Boosts
Promo Code: NEWBONUS
Bet £5+ to receive £20 in Free Bets + 2 Rocket Odds Boosts on your 1st deposit. New customers only. 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply. 18+. GambleAware.org
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
14 June 2026
16 June 2026
20 June 2026
Load More
Iran v New Zealand
days
hours
min
