Iran and New Zealand meet in World Cup opener

Iran and New Zealand meet in their opening Group Stage match at the 2026 World Cup in the early hours of Tuesday at Los Angeles Stadium.

For Iran, the match offers a chance to collect a third World Cup win in the nation’s history. Amir Ghalenoei’s side have beaten Morocco and Wales in previous tournaments and will look to start strongly against the Oceania side.

New Zealand are back on the global stage after a long absence and are aiming for a positive start of their own. Much of the attention is on Tim Payne, the defender who has become a prominent figure on social media in recent months and is expected to make his World Cup debut.

Chris Wood, the 34-year-old forward, remains New Zealand’s main attacking threat. The All Whites are hoping his experience can help them push towards the knockout rounds for the first time.

With strong teams also in the group, three points would be a major boost for either side’s hopes of reaching the next stage.