Iran will start their 2026 FIFA World Cup marketing campaign towards New Zealand at SoFi Stadium on Monday night time, with each nations aiming to make a robust begin in Group G.
For Iran, the event presents one other alternative to lastly break by way of the group stage barrier. Regardless of qualifying for the World Cup on seven events, Staff Melli have by no means progressed to the knockout rounds and shall be decided to make historical past this summer season.
Amir Ghalenoei’s aspect arrive in wonderful type, having gained their final three matches heading into the event. Nevertheless, preparations have been difficult by logistical challenges surrounding journey preparations for his or her group-stage fixtures in america.
Regardless of these difficulties, Iran stay favourites for the competition. Ranked among the many world’s high 20 nations, they possess considerably extra worldwide expertise and consistency than their opponents.
New Zealand, in the meantime, are again on soccer’s greatest stage for the primary time since 2010. The All Whites missed the earlier three World Cups and shall be desperate to make their return a memorable one.
Darren Bazeley’s aspect certified impressively from the Oceania area, however their latest type has raised considerations. Whereas victories over Ivory Coast and Chile showcased their potential, these outcomes have been overshadowed by a troublesome run that has seen them undergo 9 defeats of their final 11 matches.
The Oceania representatives will hope to make the most of any disruption affecting Iran, however they face a troublesome problem towards a aspect extensively anticipated to compete for qualification from the group.
With invaluable factors at stake from the opening matchday, each groups know {that a} constructive outcome may show essential in shaping their World Cup journey.
Staff Information
Iran are going through just a few harm points heading into Monday’s fixture, with Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Dennis Eckert and Mehdi Torabi prone to miss out, whereas Roozbeh Cheshmi shall be assessed earlier than their opening encounter.
Whereas these doubts stay, Mehdi Taremi enters the competitors as Staff Melli’s star ahead and the 105-cap No. 9 goals so as to add to his 60 nationwide group objectives.
New Zealand’s hopes relaxation on captain and centre-forward Chris Wooden, who heads into the 2026 event with 45 objectives in 90 caps.
The Nottingham Forest ahead, nevertheless, heads into the event off the again of a 12 months that noticed him maintain a knee harm that stored him out for round six months earlier than his return in April, limiting him to only three Premier League objectives in 15 matches.
Potential Lineups
Iran doable beginning lineup:
Beiranvand; Rezaeian, Khalilzadeh, Kanaani, Hajsafi; Ezatolahi, Razzaghinia; Mohebi, Ghoddos, Ghayedi; Taremi
New Zealand doable beginning lineup:
Crocombe; Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace; Bell, Stamenic; Simply, Garbett, Singh; Wooden
Learn how to Watch
| Platform | Particulars |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | SuperSport |
| Dwell Stream | DSTV stream |
| Kick-off Time | 02:00am (WAT) |
Match predictions
Softfootball predicts Iran 2-0 New Zealand
Whereas New Zealand should be enthusiastic about their return to the worldwide stage, it’s onerous to make a case for the out-of-form All Whites to get the higher of Iran on Tuesday.
