SoFi Stadium will be the centre of attention when Iran and New Zealand face each other in their opening Group G match of the 2026 World Cup. Iran head into the tournament full of confidence after putting together a three-game winning streak in friendly matches, most recently defeating Mali 2-0. The Iranians remain a well-balanced side, combining defensive discipline with experience in attack. Veteran striker Mehdi Taremi continues to lead the line and will once again be expected to provide the cutting edge in the final third. Iran have impressed defensively in recent matches, conceding just 0.8 goals per game and keeping clean sheets in 50% of their last ten outings. They also average 1.7 goals scored per match, making them a difficult opponent for any side.
New Zealand, meanwhile, can take encouragement from their spirited 1-0 defeat to England in their final warm-up game. The All Whites defended resolutely for long periods and will likely adopt a similar approach here. Much of their attacking hope rests on Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood, whose experience and physical presence make him the team's main threat. However, New Zealand's recent record is concerning, with just one win from their last ten matches. They have failed to keep a clean sheet during that run and have scored only 0.7 goals per game on average, suggesting they could struggle against a well-organised Iranian defence.
Iran are on a three-match winning streak and possess greater quality and tournament experience than New Zealand. Therefore, Home Win should be considered, alongside Under 3.5 and Under 2.5 goals (Iran concede very few chances, while New Zealand are likely to focus on defensive organisation from the outset).
This World Cup 2026 match will be played on Tuesday 16 June 2026 at 02:00.
What is our Iran vs New Zealand prediction?
Our prediction for this match: Iran 1 - 0 New Zealand
Iran vs New Zealand Betting Tips
- Correct Score: 1-0 @ 450 Odds
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS): No @ -163 Odds
- Over / Under 4.5 Goals: Under 4.5 Goals @ -1600 Odds
- Over / Under 3.5 Goals: Under 3.5 Goals @ -500 Odds
- Over / Under 2.5 Goals: Under 2.5 Goals @ -175 Odds
- Over / Under 1.5 Goals: Under 1.5 Goals @ 175 Odds
- Anytime Goalscorer: Mehdi Taremi @ 210 Odds
- First Goalscorer: Mehdi Taremi @ 550 Odds
- To be Booked: Marko Stamenic @ 240 Odds
- Asian Handicap: Iran -0.5 @ -125 Odds
- European Handicap: Senegal +2 @ -175 Odds
- Shots on Target (Home): Over 2.5
- Shots on Target (Away): Under 2.5
- Shots on Target (Total): Over 2.5
- Total Corners: 6 - 8 @ 140 Odds
- Double Chance: 12 @ -350 Odds
- Draw No Bet: Iran to Win @ -350 Odds
- Half Time/Full Time: Iran to Win/Iran to Win @ 187 Odds
- Clean Sheet: Iran - Yes @ 100 Odds
Where Can You Place Bets on Iran vs New Zealand?
You can place your bets on Iran vs New Zealand at the following bookmakers:
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required. #Ad / GambleAware.org / 18+
View Offer
18+. GambleAware.org. New GB customers only. Min £10 debit card deposit. Place a £10+ bet at Evens or greater (2.0) each leg on Sports within 7 days. Opt in for £20 in free bets. Valid for 7 days. Geographical restrictions and T&C’s apply. #Ad / GambleAware.org / 18+
View Offer
18+. New customers using Promo code TOP30 only, Min £10/€10/$10 stake, min odds 1.5, free bets paid as 2 x £15/€15/$15, free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is settled, payment method/player/country restrictions apply. See full terms below. Play responsibly. Gamblingtherapy.org #Ad / GambleAware.org / 18+
View Offer
18+ New UK+ROI customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4 x £/€5 free bets (selected sportsbook markets only, valid 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. #Ad / GambleAware.org / 18+
View Offer
18+ New UK+ROI Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x £/€5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. #Ad / GambleAware.org / 18+
View OfferIran Team Form and Stats
| Form | Results | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | wdllwddlww | 1.50 |
| Home | lwlww | 1.80 |
| Away | wdldd | 1.20 |
| Stats | Overall | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Win % | 40% | 60% | 20% |
| Average Goals Per Game | 2.50 | 3.00 | 2.00 |
| Scored | 1.70 | 2.20 | 1.20 |
| Conceded | 0.80 | 0.80 | 0.80 |
| BTTS | 40% | 40% | 40% |
| Clean Sheets | 50% | 40% | 60% |
| Failed to Score | 30% | 20% | 40% |
| Expected Goals | 1.56 | 1.77 | 1.46 |
| Expected Goals Against | 0.90 | 0.96 | 0.87 |
New Zealand Team Form and Stats
| Form | Results | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | llldlllwll | 0.40 |
| Home | llw | 1.00 |
| Away | lldllll | 0.14 |
| Stats | Overall | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Win % | 10% | 33% | 0% |
| Average Goals Per Game | 2.50 | 3.67 | 2.00 |
| Scored | 0.70 | 1.67 | 0.29 |
| Conceded | 1.80 | 2.00 | 1.71 |
| BTTS | 40% | 67% | 29% |
| Clean Sheets | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Failed to Score | 60% | 33% | 71% |
| Expected Goals | 1.13 | 1.22 | 1.09 |
| Expected Goals Against | 1.75 | 1.10 | 2.02 |
Iran vs New Zealand Head to Head Statistics (H2H)
Previous Match Data between these 2 teams are not available
Our Visitors Prediction
Now Trending Football Predictions
Colombia
DR Congo
Switzerland
Canada
Bosnia Herzegovina
Qatar
Scotland
Brazil
Morocco
Haiti
South Africa
South Korea
