Iran players during a training session on the eve of its FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match against New Zealand. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Iran and New Zealand will eye positive starts to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign when they face off in their Group G match on Tuesday.

Both teams had impressive qualifying campaigns with Iran losing just one out of 16 games to qualify for its seventh World Cup.

Meanwhile, New Zealand booked a Finals spot for a third time in its history after winning all five games, scoring 29 goals and conceding just one.

Iran vs New Zealand head-to-head record

The two nations will face off in the World Cup for the first time, on Tuesday.

• Played: 2
• New Zealand: 0
• Iran: 1
• Draw: 1

Iran form guide

• Iran 2-0 Mali
• Iran 3-1 Gambia
• Iran 5-0 Costa Rica
• Iran 1-2 Nigeria
• Uzbekistan 0-0 Iran (lost 3-4 on penalties)

New Zealand form guide

• England 1-0 New Zealand
• Haiti 4-0 New Zealand
• Ecuador 2-0 New Zealand
• Colombia 2-1 New Zealand
• Norway 1-1 New Zealand

Published on Jun 15, 2026