Iran vs New Zealand — Live Score, How to Watch & Preview

Iran vs New Zealand kicks off in GROUP G of the 2026 World Cup. Below you’ll find the live score, the kickoff time in your own timezone, exactly where to watch in every country, the full head-to-head record and the key players to watch.

Match preview

Iran and New Zealand meet in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a crucial fixture for both sides. Iran, known for their disciplined defensive organization and swift counter-attacks, have been a consistent presence in recent World Cups. Under coach Amir Ghalenoei, they rely on a compact 4-4-2 shape, with key figures like Mehdi Taremi providing creativity and goals. New Zealand, returning to the World stage after missing 2022, have improved under coach Darren Bazeley. The All Whites blend physicality with technical ability, often playing a direct style through Chris Wood. This match pits Iran's defensive solidity against New Zealand's aerial threat. Iran will look to control midfield through Saeid Ezatolahi, while New Zealand will aim to exploit set pieces. Both teams need a positive result to keep qualification hopes alive, with Iran slight favorites due to their tournament experience. Expect a tense, tactical battle where individual moments could decide the outcome.

Key players to watch

Iran

Mehdi Taremi (Inter Milan) — The prolific striker is Iran's main goal threat, with excellent movement and finishing ability.
Saman Ghoddos (Brentford) — A versatile attacker who can create chances from midfield or wide areas.
Milad Mohammadi (AEK Athens) — An energetic left-back who provides width and defensive stability.

New Zealand

Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest) — The target man is New Zealand's all-time top scorer and a constant aerial danger.
Ryan Thomas (PEC Zwolle) — A creative midfielder who dictates tempo and links play.
Liberato Cacace (Empoli) — A dynamic left-back who contributes both defensively and in attack.

How to watch Iran vs New Zealand — by country

Kickoff is … in your local time. Here’s the official broadcaster and stream in each country:

Australia

Australia: SBS has exclusive rights and is keeping the whole tournament free. All 104 matches air live and free on SBS, SBS Viceland and SBS On Demand — no subscription needed.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh: A consortium of state broadcaster BTV, T Sports and Star News has secured the rights (confirmed days before kickoff after an earlier deal collapsed). Matches air live on BTV (free-to-air), with T Sports and Star News on cable and the T Sports app/website for streaming. As terms were only just finalised, confirm exact channel splits with local listings.

Brazil

Brazil: Grupo Globo carries every Brazil match, the final and half the remaining games across TV Globo, SporTV and Globoplay. CazéTV streams all 104 matches live and free in 4K on YouTube, and free-to-air channel SBT shows a selection including Brazil games and knockouts. Easiest free option: CazéTV on YouTube.

Canada

Canada: Bell Media is the official broadcaster. All 104 matches air on TSN (English) and RDS (French) via cable, with select games — including Canada's matches, the opener and the final — free over the air on CTV. Stream on TSN+, the RDS app, or Crave.

Germany

Germany: Deutsche Telekom''s MagentaTV holds rights to all 104 matches (44 exclusive), requiring a subscription. ARD and ZDF each show 30 matches free-to-air — including all Germany games, the opening match, semi-finals and final — on TV and their online streams.

India

India: Zee Entertainment holds the official rights. All 104 matches air on the new Unite8 Sports 1/1 HD (Hindi) and Unite8 Sports 2/2 HD (English) TV channels, and stream on ZEE5 (paid subscription, from about Rs 799 for 3 months). There is no free-to-air option, so a ZEE5 plan or a TV pack carrying Unite8 Sports is needed.

FAQ

When is Iran vs New Zealand?

Tue, Jun 16 at 01:00 AM UTC — shown in your local time on this page — in GROUP G of the 2026 World Cup.

How can I watch Iran vs New Zealand?

Through the official 2026 World Cup broadcaster in your country — for example BBC/ITV (UK, free), Fox & Telemundo (USA), beIN Sports (Middle East), SBS (Australia, free). See the full country-by-country guide on this page.