FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in Iran v New Zealand 🇮🇷🇳🇿 | OneFootball

Iran and New Zealand will hope to build on their strong qualification campaigns as the pair face off in Group G at the Los Angeles Stadium. 

Here's everything you need to look out for in tonight's FIFA World Cup 26™ clash. 

Who is playing today? 👀

Iran will compete in their seventh World Cup™ and look to generate momentum following an impressive qualifying campaign, where they lost just one of 16 matches. Mohammad Mohebi was a key figure in Iran's qualification success, scoring five goals and assisting twice. 

New Zealand will enter their third World Cup™ and first since 2010. The All Whites flew through their qualifying group and won all five fixtures, with full-back Tim Payne standing out after making four assists. 

Players to watch 🔥

Mehdi Taremi is one of the few Iranian players who plays top-level football in Europe. The national team captain has had previous spells at Porto and Inter and now plays for Greek outfit Olympiacos. The 33-year-old is Iran's third all-time top scorer with 56 goals. 

New Zealand's Chris Wood bounced back from a long-term injury late in the 2025/26 campaign to help Nottingham Forest avoid relegation from the Premier League. The 38-year-old poacher will be a key figure for the All Whites after scoring 45 international goals in 89 appearances.

Must-watch video 🎥

Fun facts 📊

Our prediction 🔮