Iran and New Zealand begin their World Cup journeys in the early hours of Tuesday morning for UK fans, with the Group G encounter kicking off at 2am (UK time).
While neither side arrives in North America among the tournament favourites, the expanded 48-team format has opened the door for nations outside football’s traditional elite to dream of a place in the knockout rounds. With Belgium expected to lead the group, matches like this one could prove decisive in the battle for qualification.
Iran appear the stronger of the two teams on paper and have established themselves as regular World Cup participants in recent years. They will fancy their chances of competing with Egypt for a top-two finish. New Zealand, meanwhile, face a tougher challenge and may view avoiding defeat here as crucial to keeping their hopes alive.
This fixture will mark the first-ever meeting between Iran and New Zealand on the international stage.
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Iran vs New Zealand team news
Iran team news
Amir Ghalenoei made a huge call during Iran’s World Cup preparations. He omitted star striker Sardar Azmoun from the squad. The manager selected a specific five-man frontline instead. Iran’s starting XI looks very settled ahead of their opening match against New Zealand.
Alireza Beiranvand has taken the first-choice goalkeeping spot, ahead of Hossein Hosseini and Payam Niazmand. The back four picks itself too. Saleh Hardani starts at right-back. Milad Mohammadi takes the left-back role. Shojae Khalilzadeh and Hossein Kanaanizadegan will anchor the central defence. Saeid Ezatolahi has fully recovered from a foot injury. He will start in the double pivot, alongside Saman Ghoddos.
Mehdi Taremi looks set to lead the line for Team Melli. Alireza Jahanbakhsh provides a great option on the right wing. Mehdi Ghayedi takes his spot on the left flank. Mohammad Mohebi will play through the middle as the No.10.
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New Zealand team news
Darren Bazeley suffered a blow during New Zealand’s World Cup preparations, with Ryan Thomas ruled out of the opening match against Iran. The midfielder’s absence leaves a gap in the All Whites’ engine room. New Zealand’s starting XI looks fairly settled despite a difficult run of pre-tournament form.
Max Crocombe takes the first-choice goalkeeping spot, ahead of Alex Paulsen and Michael Woud. The back four picks itself too. Tim Payne starts at right-back, with Wrexham’s Liberato Cacace on the left. Michael Boxall and Finn Surman anchor the centre of defence. Marko Stamenic and Joe Bell will start in the double pivot, with Sarpreet Singh operating just ahead of them.
Chris Wood leads the line for the All Whites. The captain returned from knee surgery in April and declares himself fully fit. He enters the tournament as New Zealand’s all-time top scorer, with 45 goals in 88 caps. Ben Old and Elijah Just provide the width either side of him.
Iran vs New Zealand predicted lineups
Iran (4-2-3-1): Beiranvand; Hardani, Khalilzadeh, Kanaanizadegan, Mohammadi; Ezatolahi, Ghoddos; Jahanbakhsh, Mohebi, Ghayedi; Taremi
New Zealand (4-2-3-1): Crocombe; Payne, Boxall, Surman, Cacace; Stamenic, Bell; Old, Singh, Just; Wood
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