New Zealand face Iran in a Group G fixture at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday 16 June 2026, with SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California hosting the opening matchday meeting. Both sides enter the tournament looking to cause a stir in a group that also contains Belgium and Egypt.
What is FIFA World Cup 2026?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the men’s global football championship, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico between 11 June and 19 July 2026. The tournament marks the first time 48 teams have competed at a World Cup, with 12 groups of four feeding into a 32-team knockout stage. Group winners and runners-up automatically qualify, joined by the eight best third-placed teams.
Group G is considered one of the more open pools of the draw, with Iran and New Zealand both targeting a surprise push towards the round of 32.
When is New Zealand vs IR Iran?
New Zealand vs Iran kicks off at 00:00 ET on Tuesday 16 June 2026 (05:00 BST), which corresponds to a late 21:00 local kick-off on Monday 15 June in Los Angeles. It follows the earlier Group G fixture between Egypt and Belgium in Seattle.
Where is New Zealand vs IR Iran?
The match is staged at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, home to the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. SoFi Stadium has a World Cup capacity of around 70,000 and is one of 11 US host venues, distinguished by its translucent roof and modern design. It is expected to host multiple group and knockout fixtures during the tournament.
Key Contenders
Iran return to their seventh World Cup finals, having qualified via AFC qualification. Team Melli rely on a strong defensive structure and a core of Europe-based players including Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun. Under their national coaching staff, Iran will look to repeat their spirited performances from Qatar 2022 and push for a first ever knockout-round appearance.
New Zealand return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, having qualified as OFC representatives. The All Whites are coached by Darren Bazeley and led by US-based striker Chris Wood, their most recognisable attacking player. New Zealand will aim to match their 2010 achievement of going unbeaten in the group stage, and a result against Iran would be a huge boost to that target.
How to Watch
UK viewers can watch live on BBC or ITV, with streaming via iPlayer and ITVX. In the United States, Fox Sports carries English-language coverage and Telemundo the Spanish-language feed. TSN and CTV share the broadcast in Canada, while Sky Sport handles New Zealand rights. Iranian state broadcaster IRIB typically covers matches involving Team Melli. FIFA+ offers global highlights.
History and Records
New Zealand and Iran have no previous World Cup meetings at senior level. Iran’s best World Cup finish remains group stage, though Qatar 2022 saw them come close to progression. New Zealand famously finished the 2010 World Cup in South Africa unbeaten without winning a match, drawing all three fixtures and exiting at the group stage with a proud record.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets are available via FIFA’s official ticketing portal at FIFA.com/tickets. Group-stage prices start from around 60 US dollars with hospitality and premium options available. Resale is handled through FIFA’s official resale platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does New Zealand vs IR Iran start?
The match kicks off at 00:00 ET on Tuesday 16 June 2026 (05:00 BST), corresponding to 21:00 local on Monday 15 June.
Where is New Zealand vs IR Iran being held?
SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
How can I watch New Zealand vs IR Iran?
BBC or ITV in the UK, Fox and Telemundo in the US, TSN and CTV in Canada, Sky Sport in New Zealand.
Have New Zealand and Iran met at a World Cup before?
No. This is their first senior World Cup meeting.