FIFA 2026 World Cup - Iran vs. New Zealand (Group G) Tips

Match Details

Date: 16/6/26 11:00AM

Venue: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, USA.

Current Betting Odds

Iran: $1.90

Draw: $3.30

New Zealand: $4.50

Iran vs. New Zealand Preview

We have Iran vs. New Zealand predictions for the Group G match on Tuesday June 16 at 11:00am.

Iran opened as the $1.90 favourites against New Zealand ($4.40), with the favourites expected to win their opening game.

Best Bet

Iran

Win

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1.90

Iran came through a harder qualifying tournament compared to New Zealand, and there is a big difference between them in world rankings.

There are about 60 places between Iran and NZ in the rankings, which is reflected in betting markets. Iran took care of business to qualify with wins over North Korea and UAE. They lost to Qatar only 1-0, and that form has been franked with Qatar drawing with Switzerland.

New Zealand defeated the likes of Fiji and New Caledonia to qualify, and although they pushed England close when losing 1-0 in a friendly last week, that followed a 4-0 defeat to Haiti. That’s not good enough, and they could fail to get scoring chances against a strong defence.

Both teams are capable of their day, but we’re going with Iran to wear down the Kiwis and grab the points in the opener.

Same Game Multi Bet

Iran, Mehdi Taremi Goal or Assist, Both Teams to Score (No), Under 2.5 Goals

SGM

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$10.00

Medhi Taremi is an important player for Iran, and he’s the key to their offence. In previous World Cups, Iran has relied on their stout defence, but they need to score goals to progress to the Round of 16. We have him scoring a goal or assist, which boosts FIFA World Cup multi odds.

We can’t see both teams scoring. New Zealand has Chris Wood, who plays in the Premier League, but he often struggles in World Cup games because New Zealand’s midfield isn’t good enough. Take the ‘No’ option at value odds.

Under 2.5 goals has no support at $2.45, but it’s a good bet. We have Iran winning 2-0 or 1-0, and the focus should be on defence.

Value Bet

Mehdi Taremi

First Goal Scorer

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$5.00

We’re excited to see what Taremi can produce for Iran, and with four goals from his last four games for Iran, he’s an excellent bet.

We have him scoring the opening goal of the game for the favourites, and the $5 shows how much respect he has with bookmakers.

Include him in World Cup picks as a value bet.

Sports Journalist

Daryl Curnow

Daryl is a professional punter and sports analyst with over 15 years of industry experience. After studying English at the University of Auckland, he began as a racing journalist before moving into full-time betting in 2009. Known for his sharp eye and deep market insight, Daryl specialises in horse racing, NRL, AFL, NBA, NFL, UFC, rugby, and US college sports - earning a reputation as one of the most trusted voices in the game.