India, June 16 -- Iran vs New Zealand, FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview: Iran face a returning New Zealand side at SoFi Stadium in their 2026 World Cup Group G opener, with both teams looking to set a positive tone for the tournament. This Monday night clash marks New Zealand's first World Cup appearance in 16 years, though their recent form suggests they face an uphill battle. In contrast, Iran arrives with significant momentum, having recently secured three consecutive victories-including shutouts against Costa Rica and Mali, alongside a 3-1 win over Gambia.

The world rankings highlight the disparity between the two nations, with New Zealand sitting 65 places below their top-20 ranked opponents. While the All Whites will look to capitalize ...