Iran vs New Zealand Lineups, Starting 11, Bench & Formation
(Los Angeles)
Iran vs New Zealand lineups are yet to be confirmed for Group G Match 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The IR Iran national football team and New Zealand men’s national football team meet on June 15, 2026, at Los Angeles Stadium, with kickoff at 21:00 ET. This projected lineup tracker covers the starting XI, formations, bench options, managers, and late matchday updates.
Iran have named a 30-player preliminary squad under Amir Ghalenoei, with Mehdi Taremi and Alireza Jahanbakhsh included and Sardar Azmoun outside the current group. New Zealand have named a 26-man squad under Darren Bazeley, with Chris Wood captaining the All Whites. Official matchday lineups remain projected until both teams release their sheets.
Match Details
| Match | Group G, Match 16 |
| Kickoff | 15 JUN 2026 at 21:00 ET |
| Venue | Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles |
| Lineup Status | Projected, official match sheets yet to be confirmed |
| Iran Rank | FIFA #20 |
| New Zealand Rank | FIFA #85 |
| Managers | Amir Ghalenoei and Darren Bazeley |
| Squad Status | Iran have a 30-man preliminary group, while New Zealand have named a 26-man squad. |
Official Iran vs New Zealand lineups will arrive close to kickoff. The match details use the latest FIFA schedule, FIFA team information, OFC squad confirmation, and current squad reporting. Los Angeles Stadium hosts the Group G opener before both sides face Egypt and Belgium later in the section.
Iran need to trim their extended group before the final tournament registration. New Zealand already have a confirmed 26-man squad, so Bazeley’s main decisions sit around the back line and wide roles. FWCTimes will update the card once official match sheets confirm starters and substitutes.
Squad Research Notes
Iran Squad Status
Ghalenoei’s group leans on experience through Beiranvand, Khalilzadeh, Kanaanizadegan, Ezatolahi, Jahanbakhsh, Ghayedi, Mohebi, and Taremi. FIFA’s squad update said Azmoun is a notable omission, so he is not treated as a projected option. That changes Iran’s attacking plan because Taremi becomes the main central reference.
Iran should still keep a familiar 4-2-3-1 shape. Ezatolahi can screen the defence, while Ghoddos gives the team a passing route through midfield. Jahanbakhsh and Mohebi can stretch the pitch if New Zealand defend with a narrow block.
New Zealand Squad Status
New Zealand’s 26-man list gives Bazeley a settled tournament base. OFC confirmed Chris Wood as captain and listed a group with Crocombe, Boxall, Cacace, Bell, Stamenic, Singh, Barbarouses, Old, and Waine. The squad includes all 11 starters from the qualifying win over New Caledonia.
Bazeley will likely build around Wood’s penalty-box presence. New Zealand can use early crosses, set pieces, and second-ball pressure to test Iran. The midfield trio need to protect transitions because Iran can break quickly through wide runners.
What Could Change Before Kickoff
Iran can still adjust the right-back role, the No. 10 position, and the winger choices. If Ghalenoei wants more control, Ghoddos can move higher and Cheshmi can enter midfield. If he wants more running power, Mohebi and Torabi give Iran direct routes into space.
New Zealand can change one centre-back spot and one wide role before kickoff. Bindon, Smith, De Vries, Just, Garbett, McCowatt, Waine, and Randall all give Bazeley different bench profiles. The final choice depends on whether New Zealand want stronger defending or quicker support for Wood.
Iran vs New Zealand Lineups Status
The official Iran vs New Zealand lineups are not confirmed yet. The projected card uses squad announcements, current player roles, manager patterns, and tactical fit. Iran are projected in a 4-2-3-1, while New Zealand are projected in a 4-3-3.
Iran carry the ranking edge and deeper World Cup experience. New Zealand’s route depends on discipline, set pieces, and clean service toward Wood. The first phase of midfield pressure should decide whether Iran can control territory.
Iran Starting XI
The Iran national team starting XI is yet to be confirmed. Ghalenoei’s projected 4-2-3-1 starts with Beiranvand behind Hardani, Khalilzadeh, Kanaanizadegan, and Milad Mohammadi. Ezatolahi and Ghoddos can protect the centre while helping Iran play forward under pressure.
Jahanbakhsh, Ghayedi, and Mohebi support Taremi across the front line. Taremi’s movement should pull New Zealand’s centre-backs out of their line. Iran need him to link attacks because Azmoun is outside the current preliminary squad.
New Zealand Starting XI
The New Zealand national team starting XI is also yet to be confirmed. Bazeley’s projected 4-3-3 starts with Crocombe behind Payne, Boxall, Pijnaker, and Cacace. Bell can anchor midfield, with Stamenic and Singh giving the side running and passing range.
Barbarouses and Old can work wide of Wood, who remains New Zealand’s key penalty-box target. Wood’s hold-up play gives the All Whites their best route out of pressure. If Iran dominate the ball, New Zealand need those wide outlets to keep counters alive.
Formation Analysis
The projected tactical picture is Iran’s 4-2-3-1 against New Zealand’s 4-3-3. Iran should use a double pivot to stop direct counters and then find Taremi between New Zealand’s centre-backs. New Zealand should protect the middle and attack early through the channels.
The most important area sits around Ezatolahi, Bell, Stamenic, and Ghoddos. If Iran win that zone, they can feed Ghayedi and Mohebi early. If New Zealand win second balls there, Wood and the wide forwards can make Iran defend backward.
Key Players in the Starting Lineup
The projected Iran vs New Zealand lineups revolve around Mehdi Taremi and Chris Wood. Taremi gives Iran finishing, link play, and tournament experience. Wood gives New Zealand a clear captain, target forward, and aerial route.
Iran Mehdi Taremi
Taremi is Iran’s main attacking reference. He can drop short, combine with runners, and still attack the six-yard box. New Zealand need Boxall and Pijnaker to keep contact with him without opening space behind the back line.
New Zealand Chris Wood
Wood gives New Zealand their strongest scoring route. He can pin centre-backs, attack crosses, and turn clearances into controlled possession. Iran must stop early service into him because New Zealand’s attack depends on that first pass sticking.
Notable Absences
Sardar Azmoun is the key name outside Iran’s current World Cup group. FIFA reported his omission from Ghalenoei’s preliminary squad, while other reports described the decision as a major talking point. Official matchday absences beyond that are yet to be confirmed.
New Zealand have named a 26-man squad, so their absence picture is clearer than Iran’s. No official matchday injury list has been published for this fixture. FWCTimes will update this section if Bazeley confirms any late withdrawals.
Bench Strength Comparison
Iran’s projected bench gives Ghalenoei defensive cover and several attacking changes. Hosseini and Niazmand cover goalkeeper, while Cheshmi, Hazbavi, Yousefi, Ghorbani, Torabi, Dargahi, and Alipour can change structure or tempo. That bench suits a match where Iran may need late control.
New Zealand’s projected bench offers fresh wide runners and centre-back cover. Bindon and Smith can protect a lead, while Garbett, McCowatt, Waine, and Randall can add direct support for Wood. Bazeley needs those changes to keep pressure on Iran’s back four.
Head Coaches Tactical Approach
Ghalenoei should ask Iran to control central spaces and then attack through Taremi’s movement. The Iran vs New Zealand stats angle points to Iran’s ranking edge and stronger tournament experience. Iran still need a clean first half because New Zealand can make set pieces uncomfortable.
Bazeley should keep New Zealand compact and push service toward Wood early. The Iran vs New Zealand live stream guide covers the official viewing routes for this Group G opener. New Zealand’s tactical route depends on patience, aerial pressure, and disciplined midfield distances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Iran’s lineup vs New Zealand?
Iran’s official lineup is yet to be confirmed. The projected XI uses Ghalenoei’s preliminary squad and a likely 4-2-3-1 setup.
What is New Zealand’s lineup vs Iran?
New Zealand’s official lineup is yet to be confirmed. The projected XI follows Darren Bazeley’s 26-man squad and recent All Whites selection pattern.
What formation will Iran use against New Zealand?
Iran are projected in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Taremi leads the attack, with Ezatolahi and Ghoddos protecting central midfield.
Who is New Zealand’s key player vs Iran?
Chris Wood is New Zealand’s key player because he captains the side and gives Bazeley a strong central reference point.
When will official Iran vs New Zealand lineups be announced?
Official Iran vs New Zealand lineups are expected around one hour before kickoff. FWCTimes will update the tracker once match sheets arrive.
Iran vs New Zealand Lineups remain projected until both official match sheets arrive. FWCTimes will refresh the lineup card, bench list, formation view, manager notes, and schema once confirmed team news is available. Check back near kickoff for the final starting elevens and substitutes.
