World-ranked 20th-ranked Iran will take on New Zealand in their opening game of World Cup 2026. The All Whites, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, are clear beneficiaries of FIFA’s expanded 48-team format and will be keen to make the most of their first World Cup appearance in 16 years, under head coach Darren Bazeley.
However, recent results, including a heavy 4-0 defeat to Haiti and a narrow 1-0 loss to England in pre-tournament friendlies, offer little encouragement heading into a daunting Group G opener.
Iran, on the other hand, arrive as firm favourites. Team Melli has qualified for a fourth consecutive World Cup and has far more experience at this level, with stars such as Mehdi Taremi expected to lead the attack. It could be his last World Cup and with 60 goals in 105 appearances for his country, he will be desperate to take them into a first ever knockout stage.
With Belgium and Egypt also lurking in Group G, both sides know a positive result in Los Angeles is vital. But can Iran handle the chaotic logistics of having to travel to the US for their match and then return to Mexico on the same day? And the background chatter about a peace treaty with the US being signed in the last few hours?
Read on as we show you exactly how to watch Iran vs New Zealand for free from anywhere in FIFA World Cup 2026.
How to watch Iran vs New Zealand for free
Iran vs New Zealand is available to watch for free in several countries, including the UK, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Turkey.
Are you away from home and can’t watch for free? Unblock your free World Cup stream with Norton VPN – more on that below.
Use a VPN to watch Iran vs New Zealand live streams
It’s the World Cup, and if you’re out and about, you might spot your usual Iran vs New Zealand stream is suddenly unavailable due to geo-restrictions.
Don’t worry, this is exactly where a VPN can help. A virtual private network lets you connect to servers around the world, so you can safely access your usual VM coverage as if you were back at home.
We recommend Norton VPN. Here’s why:
How to watch Iran vs New Zealand in USA
American viewers can watch Iran vs New Zealand on FS1.
Cord-cutters can access FS1 through live TV services such as YouTube TV (free trial), Hulu+Live TV, Sling (selected markets), Fubo or DirecTV.
Those looking for a streaming service instead can watch Iran vs New Zealand on Fox One (3-day free trial).
If you are looking for a stream in Spanish you can watch Telemundo which is available via Peacock.
Visiting the US from the UK? You can still watch your WC stream for free thanks Norton VPN (money back guarantee).
How to watch Iran vs New Zealand in the UK
UK customers are in luck as they can stream Iran vs New Zealand free on BBC iPlayer. Live coverage is also available at BBC One TV channel.
You require a TV license and a valid UK postcode for an account (eg SE1 7PB).
Norton VPN can unlock your stream if you are abroad today.
How to watch Iran vs New Zealand in Australia
Iran vs New Zealand will be shown for free in Australia on SBS On Demand.
The streaming platform has every game in the tournament for free, making it the perfect place for your World Cup viewing.
Are you traveling for work or on holiday? A VPN that Norton VPN can help unlock your free stream.
How to watch Iran vs New Zealand in Canada
In Canada, TSN will broadcast Iran vs New Zealand.
You can stream live via TSN+ streaming platform, which costs $80 per month or $80 per year.
Outside of Canada? Use Norton VPN while traveling away from home to unlock your stream.
Iran vs New Zealand: Match Information
When does Iran vs New Zealand start?
Iran vs New Zealand starts at 9:00 PM ET Monday, June 15th. It is at 02.00 BST and 11am AEST Tuesday 16 June.
What are the squads for Iran vs New Zealand?
Iran
Goalkeepers: Alireza Beiranvand (Tractor), Payam Niazmand (Persepolis), Hossein Hosseini (Sepahan)
Defenders: Saleh Hardani (Esteghlal), Ehsan Hajsafi (Sepahan), Shojae Khalilzadeh (Tractor), Milad Mohammadi (Persepolis), Hossein Kanaanizadegan (Persepolis), Aria Yousefi (Sepahan), Ali Nemati (Foolad), Ramin Rezaeian (Foolad), Danial) Eri (Malavan)
Midfielders: Saeid Ezatolahi (Shabab Al-Ahli), Alireza Jahanbakhsh (Dender), Mohammad Mohebi (Rostov), Saman Ghoddos (Kalba), Rouzbeh Cheshmi (Esteghlal), Mahdi Torabi (Tractor), Mohammad Ghorbani (Al-Wahda), Amirmohammad Razzagalhinia (Esteghlal)
Extenders: Mehdi Taremi (Olympiacos), Mehdi Ghayedi (Al-Nasr), Ali Alipour (Persepolis), Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh (Tractor), Shahriyar Moghanlou (Kalba), Dennis Eckert (Standard Liege)
New Zealand
Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe (Millwall), Alex Paulsen (Lechia Gdansk), Michael Woud (Auckland FC)
Defenders: Tim Payne (Wellington Phoenix), Francis de Vries (Auckland FC), Tyler Bindon (Sheffield United), Michael Boxall (Minnesota United FC), Liberato Cacace (Wrexham), Nando Pijnaker (Auckland FC), Finn Surman (Portland Timbers), Callan Elliot (Auckland FC), Tommy Smith (Braintree)
Midfielders: Joe Bell (Viking), Matthew Garbett (Peterborough United), Marko Stamenic (Swansea City), Sarpreet Singh (Wellington Phoenix), Elijah Just (Motherwell), Alex Rufer (Wellington Phoenix), Ben Old (Saint-Etienne), Callum McCowatt (Silkeborg),
Extenders: Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest), Kosta Barbarouses (Western Sydney Wanderers), Ben Waine (Port Vale), Jesse Randall (Auckland FC)
|
Position |
Team |
DG |
Points |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Belgium |
0 |
0 |
|
2 |
Egypt |
0 |
0 |
|
3 |
Iran |
0 |
0 |
|
4 |
New Zealand |
0 |
0 |
Can I watch Iran vs New Zealand on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access via mobile apps or via your phone’s browser.
You can also stay up to date with all the World Cup highlights on the official social media channels on X/Twitter (@FIFAWorldCup), Instagram (@FIFAWorldCup), TikTok (@FIFAWorldCup) and YouTube (@FIFA).
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