World Cup 2026: Iran vs New Zealand Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

Iran open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, with kickoff at 03:00 CAT on Tuesday, June 16. They arrive with the experience of four straight World Cup appearances and a settled core led by striker Mehdi Taremi, while New Zealand will set up to defend deep and frustrate in their first World Cup since 2010. In a group containing the favourites Belgium, both sides know that second place is the realistic target and a strong start matters. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

Iran

Iran have a lot more World Cup experience than their opposition in this game and from my point of view their settled, well-organised side should have enough to win this. Mehdi Taremi leads up front after his move to Olympiacos, while captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh provides creativity from wide areas. Amir Ghalenoei's team will be patient, control the tempo and rely on Taremi to make the difference in the final third. I expect Iran to carry the greater threat and take the points in a tight game.

Predicted Lineup: Beiranvand; Hardani, Khalilzadeh, Kanaanizadegan, Mohammadi; Ezatolahi, Ghoddos; Jahanbakhsh, Ghayedi, Mohebi; Taremi.

New Zealand

New Zealand will sit deep and make Iran work for every yard, and in my opinion their game plan rests on staying compact and feeding Chris Wood on the break. Wood is the All Whites’ record scorer with 45 goals and remains their clearest route to a goal, supported by the energy of Marko Stamenic and Sarpreet Singh in midfield. Darren Bazeley's side likes to build from the back but will spend long spells defending here. I expect New Zealand to dig in and hope to nick something late.

Predicted Lineup: Paulsen; Cacace, Boxall, Surman, Payne; Bell, Stamenic, Singh; Just, Wood, Old.

I expect a cagey, low-scoring game, with Iran's superior quality eventually telling against a deep New Zealand block. Taremi looks the most likely matchwinner and one goal could be enough. My forecast: Iran 1 New Zealand 0.

Under 2.5 Goals (1.62)

I am backing Under 2.5 Goals and my read on this is that two cautious sides, one defending deep and the other wary of overcommitting, points to a tight, low scoring contest. Iran rarely conceded in qualifying and New Zealand will be content to keep the game tightt. At 1.62 the value is firmly with the unders.