Iran and New Zealand launch their 2026 World Cup on 16/06 (Tuesday) at Azadi Stadium, 02:00 UK time.

Both nations land at the world's biggest tournament with plenty of recent matches behind them and confidence high heading into this game.

Have a read of our Iran vs New Zealand prediction before you decide on your bet.

Iran vs New Zealand prediction for the 2026 World Cup

Both nations begin their 2026 World Cup here, with no head-to-head history to lean on. For bettors, this is as open as it gets, and the odds mirror that uncertainty.

Take a look at our top Iran vs New Zealand prediction:

APWin Prediction

BTTS - No

Who are the favourites?

Based on the leading UK-licensed bookmakers, Iran is tipped to come out on top, with 50% of the odds leaning towards their win.

Looking for more? Browse all the World Cup odds and dig into this and other ties from the planet's biggest football tournament.

Iran vs New Zealand: head-to-head

Iran and New Zealand share no recent head-to-head record, so this is effectively their first meeting in years.

Iran: opening the 2026 World Cup

Iran make their FIFA World Cup bow having already logged 19 match(es) in 2026 in the build-up. Here is how they have fared:

  • 13 win(s), 4 draw(s) and 2 loss(es)

  • 44 goals scored (2.32 per game)

  • 15 goals conceded (0.79 per game)

Players to watch for Iran National Team

  • Leading scorer: Mehdi Taremi with 11 goal(s)

  • Most assists: Mehdi Taremi with 7

New Zealand: opening the 2026 World Cup

New Zealand step out at the FIFA World Cup for the first time this edition after 11 match(es) in 2026.

Here is the New Zealand National Team record:

This year so far

  • 6 win(s), 1 draw(s) and 4 loss(es)

  • 34 goals scored (3.09 per game)

  • 13 goals conceded (1.18 per game)

Players to watch for New Zealand National Team

  • Leading scorer: Chris Wood with 9 goal(s)

  • Most assists: Matthew Garbett with 5

Iran vs New Zealand statistics at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Before you stake anything, look over the side-by-side comparison that sheds light on each nation's current form for this World Cup tie:

Home Team

Iran Team Logo

Iran

International - World Cup

Form Last 5 PPG
Overall W W L D D

1.6

Home W W L W W

2.4

Away D D L L D

0.6

Away Team

New Zealand Team Logo

New Zealand

International - World Cup

Form Last 5 PPG
Overall L L W L L

0.6

Home W L L L W

1.2

Away L L L L D

0.2

Iran vs New Zealand probable lineups

See the likely starting elevens below for our Iran vs New Zealand prediction at the 2026 World Cup.

These lineups are refreshed as kick-off draws nearer.

How to watch Iran vs New Zealand live in the UK

Find out below where you can catch Iran vs New Zealand live during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Just remember, kick-off is at 02:00 UK time.

For the full schedule, check our our World Cup live streaming page.

Watch this match

Iran logo
X
New Zealand logo
Where to Watch

More betting tips for this match

Alongside the main tip given at the top of this article, here are some other strong bets for Iran vs New Zealand:

👉 Our prediction is: over 9.5 corners

Iran vs New Zealand figures to be a very up-and-down match between two aggressive sides, so the corners market is quite an attractive one to bet on.

And with odds of 2.48, we are eyeing the over 9.5 corners bet to hit, which means having 10 or more corners for both teams throughout the 90 minutes will win the bet.

👉 Our prediction is: Iran win or draw

The home team is usually a safe bet in the Double Chance market, and that is no different in the upcoming match. Our top tip is to bet a Iran win or draw against New Zealand.

Our analysis of Iran points to them being the superior side, which is why they have a strong chance to win the match outright. And with the added benefit of needing only a draw at home against New Zealand, their chances of cashing in the 1X Double Chance bet grow even stronger.

Further 2026 World Cup predictions

Browse all of our 2026 FIFA World Cup predictions and keep up with the sharpest analysis from start to finish of the tournament.

Match details: Iran vs New Zealand

🆚 Fixture Iran vs New Zealand

🏆 Tournament 2026 FIFA World Cup

📅 Date Tuesday, 16/06/2026

🕐 Kick-off 02:00 UK time

🏟️ Venue Azadi Stadium,

Bet responsibly

Betting should stay a bit of fun. Set yourself limits, keep control, and never wager more than you can comfortably afford to lose.

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Published on 13 June 2026, at 20:05 Last updated on 13 June 2026, at 20:05
Author: Amauri Barbosa

Sports betting analyst with over 15 years of experience. At APWin, he writes football predictions, reviews bookmakers and explains the reasoning behind every bet.