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

Iran
Iran
World Cup 2026
1
VS
1
schedule 16 Jun, 01:00
Predicted Score

Last update of insights: 30 May 2026

New Zealand
New Zealand
Kickoff in

Coach AI predicts a score of 1-1 for Iran vs New Zealand in the World Cup 2026. Iran is the favourite with a 55% win probability. New Zealand has a 18% chance of winning and 27% ends in a draw. See the full analysis, injuries and score matrix below.

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Iran vs New Zealand

This is a high-tension Group G opener at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles. Iran faces immense external pressure, playing in the US amidst military tensions and a likely hostile atmosphere from the local Iranian diaspora. Tactically, New Zealand has evolved into a more technical, ball-playing side under Darren Bazeley but remains most dangerous through direct play to Wood.

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Match Scenario's

Three most likely match scenarios

45%
30%
25%

Stagnant Tactical Draw

45%

Iran’s lack of match rhythm leads to a cautious approach, resulting in a low-event game where both sides cancel each other out.

Aerial Breakthrough New Zealand

30%

Chris Wood capitalizes on New Zealand’s set-piece dominance against an Iran side that tires in the second half due to poor conditioning.

Taremi Counter Masterclass

25%

Despite being under pressure, Iran’s veteran defense holds out and Taremi clinches a clinical winner on a rare transition.

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Current Standings

Position in the competition

Group G

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

What Football Meister players predict for this match

person Based on 53 Football Meister players
Iran D New Zealand
32%
30%
38%
32% 30% 38%

Most predicted scorelines

1-1 19%
1-0 13%
0-1 11%
0-0 11%
0-2 9%

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

Projected xG by CoachAI

1.95

Home xG

0.90

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

Lack of match fitness: Iran's domestic league has been suspended since February 2026 due to regional conflict, leaving home-based players without competitive rhythm.

trending_up 2

Creative vacuum for Iran: The confirmed absence of winger Ali Gholizadeh (ACL) and the likely exclusion of star striker Sardar Azmoun (disciplinary/political) severely hampers Iran's offensive xG.

person 3

Aerial vs. Physical block: New Zealand's tactical reliance on Chris Wood and set-pieces will clash with Iran’s traditional, highly organized low-block defensive system.

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Injuries & Absentees

Iran is significantly weakened; Ali Gholizadeh is officially out (ACL), and captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh is a major doubt with a knee injury. Furthermore, the absence of Sardar Azmoun due to political tensions leaves Mehdi Taremi isolated. New Zealand, conversely, welcomes back a fully fit Chris Wood after his surgery in late 2025.

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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 1-1 with a win probability of 55% for Iran, 27% draw and 18% 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 is significantly weakened; Ali Gholizadeh is officially out (ACL), and captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh is a major doubt with a knee injury. Furthermore, the absence of Sardar Azmoun due to political tensions leaves Mehdi Taremi isolated. New Zealand, conversely, welcomes back a fully fit Chris Wood after his surgery in late 2025.

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

Stagnant Tactical Draw (45%): Iran’s lack of match rhythm leads to a cautious approach, resulting in a low-event game where both sides cancel each other out. — Aerial Breakthrough New Zealand (30%): Chris Wood capitalizes on New Zealand’s set-piece dominance against an Iran side that tires in the second half due to poor conditioning. — Taremi Counter Masterclass (25%): Despite being under pressure, Iran’s veteran defense holds out and Taremi clinches a clinical winner on a rare transition.

What do Football Meister players predict for Iran vs New Zealand?

Based on 53 Football Meister players, 32% predict a home win for Iran, 30% a draw, and 38% an away win for New Zealand. The most predicted scoreline is 1-1.

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

Iran are 3rd in the FIFA World Cup with 0 points from 0 games. New Zealand are 4th with 0 points from 0 games.

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.

What are the key factors for Iran vs New Zealand?

Coach AI identifies three decisive factors for Iran vs New Zealand: 1. Lack of match fitness: Iran's domestic league has been suspended since February 2026 due to regional conflict, leaving home-based players without competitive rhythm. 2. Creative vacuum for Iran: The confirmed absence of winger Ali Gholizadeh (ACL) and the likely exclusion of star striker Sardar Azmoun (disciplinary/political) severely hampers Iran's offensive xG. 3. Aerial vs. Physical block: New Zealand's tactical reliance on Chris Wood and set-pieces will clash with Iran’s traditional, highly organized low-block defensive system..

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.