Iran vs New Zealand: 2026 World Cup preview, odds & key players
Head to head
Title odds0.2%0.1%
FIFA standing#21#85
Contender tier
Preview
How it plays out
Iran meet New Zealand with the live market leaning Iran's way (50.5% to win, 27.5% draw). Asia's most consistent qualifiers, still chasing a first knockout berth. New Zealand, meanwhile, oceania's standard-bearers led by Chris Wood.
Iran's edge comes from experienced strikers, but New Zealand will look to exploit breaking down deep blocks. Expect a contest decided in the details, set pieces, transitions and the bench.
Ad
Key players
Iran
MT
Mehdi Taremi
ST · Inter
SA
Sardar Azmoun
ST · Shabab Al Ahli
AJ
Alireza Jahanbakhsh
RW · Heerenveen
New Zealand
CW
Chris Wood
ST · Nottingham Forest
MS
Marko Stamenić
CM · Olympiacos
LC
Liberato Cacace
LB · Empoli