Iran: momentum, experience, and belief in a deep run

Iran head into the World Cup riding a strong wave of form, with Amir Ghalenoei’s side winning three consecutive matches in convincing fashion. The “Persian Leopards” dismantled Costa Rica 5-0 before securing comfortable victories over Gambia (3-1) and Mali (2-0), proving they possess both attacking sharpness and defensive control.

Ghalenoei continues to trust a core of seasoned internationals. Veterans such as Alireza Beiranvand, Ehsan Hajsafi, Milad Mohammadi, and Mehdi Taremi remain central to the squad’s identity and leadership. Although there are lingering fitness concerns around Roozbeh Cheshmi, Saeid Ezzatolahi, and Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Iran still appear tactically organized, defensively disciplined, and dangerous in the final third.

New Zealand: Chris Wood carries the hopes amid difficult form

New Zealand may dominate in Oceania, but stepping onto the global stage presents a far tougher challenge. Since sealing qualification for the World Cup, Darren Bazeley’s men have struggled badly, winning only one of their last 11 matches while suffering nine defeats, including losses to Haiti (0-4) and England (0-1) in their final preparations.

The “All Whites” still possess experienced figures capable of leading the side, including Max Crocombe, Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Tim Payne, and star striker Chris Wood — the nation’s all-time leading scorer. However, concerns remain over both ends of the pitch. New Zealand have conceded in every match since June 2025 and have found goals increasingly difficult to come by, scoring only once across their last five fixtures.

Probable lineups

Iran: Beiranvand; Mohammadi, Nemati, Khalilzadeh, Hardani; Ezzatolahi, Razzaghniya; Ghaedi, Ghoddos, Mohebi; Taremi.

New Zealand: Crocombe; Payne, Sermon, Boxall, Cacace; Bell, Stamenic, Garbett, Singh, Just; Wood.

Match facts and head-to-head

Iran have won their last three pre-World Cup matches, scoring 10 goals while conceding only once.

New Zealand have suffered nine defeats in their previous 11 matches and have failed to keep a clean sheet since June 2025.

Iran remain unbeaten in previous meetings between the sides, recording one draw and one 3-0 victory.

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