Group G

Iran vs New Zealand · World Cup 2026

Group G · Tuesday 16 June 2026 · SoFi Stadium, Inglewood · 01:00 UK

Preview

Scene-setter

Iran face New Zealand in matchday one of Group G at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood on 16 Jun 2026 (kickoff 01:00 UK).

Title chance

The model rates Iran's tournament title chance at 1.1%, New Zealand's at 0.5%. A clear strength advantage on paper for Iran.

Squad snapshot

Iran's squad is still provisional (30-man preliminary squad). Final 26 lands closer to kickoff.

New Zealand's 26-man squad is confirmed (3/9/9/5 split). 6 of 26 play in Europe's top-five leagues. Most-capped: Chris Wood (90 caps).

What's not yet rendered

What's not yet rendered:

  • Confirmed starting XIs (drop ~60 min pre-kickoff)
  • Per-match probability model (added once odds settle 24h pre-kickoff)
  • Group standings (added once first group results land)
  • Iran final squad (30-man preliminary squad)

Schedule cross-validated against FIFA, Sky Sports, ESPN and Wikipedia (June 2026).