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Iran vs New Zealand — World Cup 2026 Prediction 16 June 2026

Iran
Iran
World Cup 2026
1
VS
0
schedule 16 Jun, 01:00 · Referee: César Ramos (Mexico)
Predicted Score

Last update of insights: 16 Jun 2026

New Zealand
New Zealand
Final result
2 – 2
CoachAI prediction
1 – 0
✗ Outcome incorrect
Kickoff in

Coach AI predicts a score of 1-0 for Iran vs New Zealand in the World Cup 2026. Iran is the favourite with a 53% win probability. New Zealand has a 21% chance of winning and 26% ends in a draw. See the full analysis, injuries and score matrix below.

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Iran vs New Zealand

Played at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, this Group G opener carries immense weight. Iran enters with a vastly superior FIFA ranking (20th vs 85th) but is hampered by extreme external pressures, including the 'same-day travel' mandate and political tensions. New Zealand returns to the world stage after 16 years with a point to prove and a fully fit Chris Wood.

analytics

Match Scenario's

Three most likely match scenarios

55%
30%
15%

Narrow Iranian Superiority

55%

Iran manages to control the midfield despite fatigue, with Mehdi Taremi finding a clinical breakthrough against a structured but lower-quality New Zealand defense.

Fatigue-Induced Stalemate

30%

Iran's lack of match-day rest leads to a sluggish performance, while New Zealand lacks the creative spark to punish them, resulting in a low-event 0-0 or 1-1 draw.

All Whites Set-Piece Upset

15%

New Zealand exploits their height advantage on a corner or free kick via Chris Wood, then successfully parks the bus against a tired Iranian side.

table_chart

Current Standings

Position in the competition

Group G

Pos Team Pld W D L GD Pts
1 Iran 1 0 1 0 0 1
1 New Zealand 1 0 1 0 0 1
3 Belgium 1 0 1 0 0 1
4 Egypt 1 0 1 0 0 1
Iran
New Zealand
groups

Fan Predictions

What Football Meister players predict for this match

Iran D New Zealand
43%
34%
24%
43% 34% 24%

Most predicted scorelines

1-0 23%
1-1 19%
0-0 14%
2-0 12%
0-1 8%

These are predictions made by real Football Meister players — not AI-generated data.

Most likely scorelines

1-0 18% 2-0 14% 1-1 13%
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Correct Score Prediction

AI-calculated probability per scoreline

Most Likely Scorelines
1-0 18%
2-0 14%
1-1 13%
New Zealand (Away)
Iran (Home)
0
1
2
3
4
0
12.0%
6.0%
3.0%
1.0%
0.0%
1
18.0%
13.0%
5.0%
1.0%
0.0%
2
14.0%
10.0%
4.0%
0.0%
0.0%
3
5.0%
4.0%
2.0%
0.0%
0.0%
4
1.0%
1.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%

NZ's defensive density (5-4-1) and Iran's historical caution in WC openers skew the matrix toward a 1-0 or 0-0. Higher scorelines (3-0+) are suppressed by NZ's aerial dominance in the box via Pijnaker and Boxall.

percent

Coach AI Odds

Iran
53% · 26% · 21%
New Zealand
W D L

Projected xG by CoachAI

1.72

Home xG

0.98

Away xG

Upset Chance

Medium

Risk of unexpected result

Iran Recent Form — Last 5

0 W · 0 D · 0 L
Geen data.

New Zealand Recent Form — Last 5

0 W · 0 D · 0 L
Geen data.
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Key Factors

sports_soccer 1

Logistic Stress: Iran is forced to enter and exit U.S. territory on match day only, leading to significant travel fatigue compared to New Zealand's standard preparation.

trending_up 2

Offensive Absence: Iran is missing Sardar Azmoun (political exclusion) and Ali Gholizadeh (ACL injury), placing the entire scoring burden on Mehdi Taremi.

person 3

Tactical Clash: New Zealand has transitioned to a possession-based style under Darren Bazeley, but they face an Iran side that excels in a mid-to-low block with clinical counter-attacks.

medical_services

Injuries & Absentees

Iran faces a severe depth crisis; with Gholizadeh out and Azmoun excluded, their tactical flexibility is limited. Captain Jahanbakhsh is also a fitness doubt. New Zealand is monitoring key midfielders Joe Bell and Ryan Thomas, whose absences would severely hinder their ability to control the tempo through possession.

star

Key Players

Iran

Mehdi Taremi ST
personKey Threat
Alireza Jahanbakhsh RW
helpDoubtful

New Zealand

Chris Wood ST
personIn Form
Liberato Cacace LB
personIn Form
group

Expected Lineups

Expected — may change before kickoff
Iran Confirmed

4-2-3-1

person
Taremi LW
person
Mohebi LW
person
Azmoun ST
person
Jahanbakhsh RW
person
Ezatolahi CDM
person
Ghoddos CM
person
Mohammadi LB
person
Kanaanizadegan CB
person
Khalilzadeh CB
person
Rezaeian RB
person
Beiranvand GK

Standard veteran core; no major surprise omissions.

New Zealand Expected

5-4-1

person
Just LW
person
Wood ST
person
Singh RW
person
Stamenic CDM
person
Garbett CM
person
Bell CM
person
Cacace LB
person
Boxall CB
person
Pijnaker CB
person
Bindon RB
person
Crocombe GK

High-defensive block intended to frustrate Iran's creative players.

The analyses and predictions on this page are generated by artificial intelligence and are intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. This is not gambling advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions about this prediction

What is the Coach AI prediction for Iran vs New Zealand?

Coach AI predicts a score of 1-0 with a win probability of 53% for Iran, 26% draw and 21% for New Zealand.

What is the recent form of Iran and New Zealand?

Iran form (last 5): no data. New Zealand form (last 5): no data.

What are the injury and suspension updates for Iran vs New Zealand?

Iran faces a severe depth crisis; with Gholizadeh out and Azmoun excluded, their tactical flexibility is limited. Captain Jahanbakhsh is also a fitness doubt. New Zealand is monitoring key midfielders Joe Bell and Ryan Thomas, whose absences would severely hinder their ability to control the tempo through possession.

What is the most likely correct score for Iran vs New Zealand?

According to the score probability matrix, 1-0 is the most likely scoreline (18%), followed by 2-0 (14%) and 1-1 (13%).

What are the possible match scenarios for Iran vs New Zealand?

Narrow Iranian Superiority (55%): Iran manages to control the midfield despite fatigue, with Mehdi Taremi finding a clinical breakthrough against a structured but lower-quality New Zealand defense. — Fatigue-Induced Stalemate (30%): Iran's lack of match-day rest leads to a sluggish performance, while New Zealand lacks the creative spark to punish them, resulting in a low-event 0-0 or 1-1 draw. — All Whites Set-Piece Upset (15%): New Zealand exploits their height advantage on a corner or free kick via Chris Wood, then successfully parks the bus against a tired Iranian side.

What do football fans and other predictors think about Iran vs New Zealand?

Based on 283 predictors, 43% back a home win for Iran, 34% a draw, and 24% an away win for New Zealand. The most predicted scoreline is 1-0. Fans are more cautious than Coach AI on Iran: fans pick 43% home win, Coach AI calculates 53%.

What is the most popular prediction for Iran vs New Zealand?

The most predicted scoreline for Iran vs New Zealand is 1-0. A total of 283 predictors have made their pick — 43% back Iran, 34% a draw and 24% New Zealand.

How confident are fans about Iran vs New Zealand?

43% of fans predict a win for Iran, with an average confidence of 71% (high confidence). Notably, the 24% backing a win for New Zealand are actually more confident (81%) than the majority — a sign this match is less clear-cut than the vote split suggests.

What are the current standings for Iran and New Zealand in the FIFA World Cup?

Iran are 1st in the FIFA World Cup with 1 points from 1 games. New Zealand are 1st with 1 points from 1 games.

What are the expected lineups for Iran vs New Zealand?

Expected lineup Iran (4-2-3-1): Alireza Beiranvand, Ramin Rezaeian, Hossein Kanaanizadegan, Shojae Khalilzadeh, Milad Mohammadi, Saeid Ezatolahi, Saman Ghoddos, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mehdi Taremi, Sardar Azmoun, Mohammad Mohebi. Expected lineup New Zealand (5-4-1): Max Crocombe, Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Nando Pijnaker, Liberato Cacace, Marko Stamenic, Matthew Garbett, Sarpreet Singh, Elijah Just, Chris Wood, Joe Bell. Lineups are based on the most recent sources and may change before kickoff.

What time does Iran vs New Zealand kick off?

Iran vs New Zealand kicks off on Tuesday, 16 June 2026 at 03:00 (Central European Time). The match is part of the World Cup 2026.

Who is the referee for Iran vs New Zealand?

The referee for Iran vs New Zealand in the World Cup 2026 is César Ramos.

What are the key factors for Iran vs New Zealand?

Coach AI identifies three decisive factors for Iran vs New Zealand: 1. Logistic Stress: Iran is forced to enter and exit U.S. territory on match day only, leading to significant travel fatigue compared to New Zealand's standard preparation. 2. Offensive Absence: Iran is missing Sardar Azmoun (political exclusion) and Ali Gholizadeh (ACL injury), placing the entire scoring burden on Mehdi Taremi. 3. Tactical Clash: New Zealand has transitioned to a possession-based style under Darren Bazeley, but they face an Iran side that excels in a mid-to-low block with clinical counter-attacks..

Who are the key players for Iran vs New Zealand?

Coach AI has identified the following key players for Iran vs New Zealand. Iran: Mehdi Taremi (Key Threat), Alireza Jahanbakhsh (Doubtful). New Zealand: Chris Wood (In Form), Liberato Cacace (In Form).

What are the Coach AI odds for Iran vs New Zealand?

Coach AI calculates the following outcome probabilities for Iran vs New Zealand: Iran wins 53%, draw 26%, New Zealand wins 21%. The most likely outcome is Iran with 53%.

What are the bookmaker odds for Iran vs New Zealand?

Bookmakers give Iran a 61% win probability, 25% draw and New Zealand 14% chance of winning. Coach AI estimates 56% for {{HOME_TEAM}}, 28% draw and 16% for {{AWAY_TEAM}}.

How does Coach AI predict this match?

Coach AI analyzes thousands of data points, including xG, recent form, team news, and tactical developments for every match.

How often are these football predictions updated?

Insights are updated daily to incorporate the latest developments, injuries, and market movements.

How accurate are the Coach AI predictions?

Coach AI has analyzed over 1,000 matches. In 50% of cases, the correct outcome (home win, draw, or away win) is predicted accurately. In more than 10% of matches, the exact final score matches the prediction — significantly above the market average.

What is Coach AI's track record?

Coach AI has predicted over 1,000 matches: 50% correct outcome, 10%+ exact final score. The model consistently outperforms standard probability calculations and gives football fans the data they need to make truly informed predictions.

What data does Coach AI use for its predictions?

Coach AI combines Expected Goals (xG), recent team form over the last five matches, head-to-head records, up-to-date injury news, and tactical match-up analysis. The model is updated daily so every prediction reflects the most current information available.