Iran vs New Zealand: All-time Head-to-head records ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026
Both teams have faced each other twice in their history.
Iran and New Zealand are set to face each other in a Group G fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium on June 15.
With Belgium and Egypt also competing in the group, both of the teams are aware that this match as an important opportunity to gain an early advantage in the knockout rounds. A positive result could provide a very important momentum heading into the remaining group-stage fixtures.
Iran arrive at the tournament as one of Asia’s most consistent performers on the international stage. Team Melli are appearing at their fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup and seventh overall, although they are still chasing a historic first qualification for the knockout rounds.
New Zealand, meanwhile, have returned to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 and are making only their third appearance at the finals. The All Whites remain in search of their first World Cup victory and will hope to create history in North America.
While both teams have regularly dominated their respective regions, meetings between them have been extremely rare. In fact, Iran and New Zealand have faced each other only twice in senior international football, with Iran holding a slight advantage thanks to one victory and one draw.
Also Read: Preview: Iran vs New Zealand prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026
Iran vs New Zealand head-to-head record
The first meeting between the two nations took place on August 12, 1973, in an international friendly. Neither side was able to break the deadlock as the contest finished in a goalless draw. Despite the lack of goals, the match marked the beginning of a unique intercontinental rivalry between two nations from different football confederations. It would take another 30 years before Iran and New Zealand met again.
Their second encounter came on October 12, 2003, in Tehran as part of the AFC-OFC Challenge Cup. Iran produced a commanding display and secured a comfortable 3-0 victory, recording their first and only win over the All Whites to date. The result remains the largest margin of victory in the history of this fixture.
The upcoming World Cup clash will therefore represent only the third meeting between the two nations and their first encounter in a major international tournament. It will also be the first time Iran and New Zealand have faced each other since 2003.
- Matches played: 2
- Iran wins: 1
- New Zealand wins: 0
- Draws: 1
Iran vs New Zealand: All Previous Meetings
- Iran 0-0 New Zealand (International Friendly, 1973)
- Iran 3-0 New Zealand (AFC-OFC Challenge Cup, 2003)
How many times have Iran and New Zealand faced each other?
Iran and New Zealand have met twice in senior international football before their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G encounter.
What is the head-to-head record between Iran and New Zealand?
Iran hold the advantage with one win, while one match ended in a draw. New Zealand are yet to defeat Team Melli.
When and where will Iran vs New Zealand be played in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Iran and New Zealand will face off in a Group G match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Los Angeles Stadium on June 15, 2026.
When was the last match between Iran and New Zealand?
The two sides last faced each other on October 12, 2003, when Iran claimed a 3-0 victory in the AFC-OFC Challenge Cup.
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Balancing her medical studies with a strong passion for Indian football, Preethi has been a dedicated follower of the sport. Her speciality is covering and discovering stories, talking to players, conducting their interviews, and drafting articles. She particularly covers Hyderabad FC and other stories from the ISL and I-League.