Iran vs New Zealand prediction: teams form analysis, possible lineups on June 16, 2026
In the first round of the World Cup on June 16, 2026, a match will be held between the national teams of Iran and New Zealand. Neither side plans to lose here.
Iran vs New Zealand: Team News and Expert Analysis
The Iranians encountered no serious problems in qualification. They won their group in the main round, earning 23 points in ten matches—two more than their closest pursuer, Uzbekistan. In the spring, however, there were talks about possibly withdrawing from participation. The team decided to relocate to Mexico and did not receive visas until the last minute. Nevertheless, they managed to win friendly matches: in March against Costa Rica (though after a defeat by Nigeria) and at the end of May against Gambia.
The New Zealanders had even fewer issues in their native Oceania—other national teams there are simply very weak. More about the real level of the players could be said from friendly matches, and those results were mixed. In March, after losing to Finland, they confidently beat Chile. At the start of the summer, they lost 0-4 to Haiti. Afterwards, against a strong England side, they conceded just one goal but still lost.
Taremi and company score 1.7 goals per game but concede half as many—only 0.8. The Oceania flagship currently averages 0.7 goals scored and 1.8 conceded per match.
Previous matches: Iran vs New Zealand
This will be the first head-to-head encounter between these teams.
Despite all the twists and turns, both sporting and otherwise, Iran remain the stronger side. We bet they will win (odds – 1.82).
Iran vs New Zealand: Key Statistics and Trends
- Iran have won two matches in a row
- 40% of Iran's matches end with goals from both teams and an average total of 2.5 goals per match
- New Zealand have lost nine of their last eleven matches
- 40% of New Zealand's matches end with goals from both teams and an average total of 2.5 goals per match
Iran vs New Zealand: Probable Starting Lineups
Iran plays in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Beiranvand – Kanaani-Zadegan, Nemati, Yousefi, Ezatolahi – Hajsafi, Mohebi – Razzaginia, Taremi, Taheri – Hosseinzadeh
New Zealand plays in a 1-4-5-1 formation (possible lineup): Crocombe – Kakache, Boxall, Sermann, Payne – Stamenic, Bell, Just, Singh, Garbett – Wood
Place your bet on the upcoming match and follow the team's performance in the World Cup standings
