New Zealand starting lineup vs Iran confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 match
(Courtesy : Getty)
The All Whites take on Team Melli in their World Cup opener tonight.
New Zealand will kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a politically charged Group H clash against Iran at SoFi Stadium. The All Whites are marking their return to FIFA’s flagship tournament after a 16-year absence and will look to earn their first win in the competition.
The Oceania side last played in the World Cup in 2010 and made history as the lowest-ranked side to ever win a point in the tournament. In fact, they earned three consecutive draws, including against Italy, but it was not enough to qualify for the knockouts.
Darren Bazeley’s side were the biggest winners of the World Cup’s expansion to 48 teams, securing direct qualification to the North American football fiesta. However, since then, the island nation has won just twice, including a 4-1 victory against Chile in March.
Against an Iran team facing hurdles of their own, the minnows will look to get a positive start, especially with matches against Egypt and Belgium to follow.
Also Read: Iran vs New Zealand: Top five youngsters to watch during FIFA World Cup 2026 match
Let’s look at the New Zealand confirmed lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Iran:
New Zealand (4-2-3-1): Max Crocombe; Tim Payne, Finn Surman, Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace; Joe Bell, Marko Stamenic; Callum McCowatt, Sarpreet Singh, Elijah Just; Chris Wood (c).
Substitutes: Alex Paulsen (gk), Michael Woud (gk), Benjamin Old, Callan Elliot, Francis de Vries, Nando Pijnaker, Tommy Smith, Tyler Bindon, Alex Rufer, Lachlan Bayliss, Ryan Thomas, Ben Waine, Jesse Randall, Kosta Barbarouses.
Thoughts on the lineup
With 45 goals in 90 caps, Chris Wood is, by some margin, his nation’s leading goalscorer. Despite suffering a knee injury, the striker scored six goals across all competitions for Nottingham Forest and leads the line for the All Whites.
Indian-origin Sarpreet Singh makes his World Cup debut for his birth nation, slotting into the number 10 position. Matthew Garbett had some trouble with his hamstring, so he is dropped for Callum McCowatt, who starts on the right wing, joined by Motherwell attacker Elijah Just.
Bristol-born Joe Bell and Swansea City’s Marko Stamenic form the two-man midfield pivot, with Ryan Thomas missing the opener with a hamstring injury. Tim Payne and Wrexham’s Liberato Cacace start in the full-back positions. Finn Surman and Michael Boxall, both playing in MLS, start as centre-backs, shielding Max Crocombe in goal.
When is New Zealand vs Iran FIFA World Cup 2026 match?
The Group H clash is scheduled for Monday, June 15, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Los Angeles. In India, the match will kick off at 6:30 AM IST on June 16.
Where to watch New Zealand vs Iran match in India?
Fans in India can watch the game live on Zee5 (premium subscription required) or on Unite8 Sports TV channels.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.