Competition
World Cup
Iran makes a brief stop in the United States before heading straight back to Mexico
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🏘️ Group G
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It would be wonderful if football were solely about football. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. Welcome to Iran versus New Zealand at the 2026 World Cup.
Kick-off time: 2:00am BST / 9:00pm ET (Mon) / 11:00am AEST
FREE Stream: BBC (UK) / SBS (AUS)
TV & Streaming: FS1 (US)
Watch from anywhere: Get Norton VPN (60-day money back guarantee)
In a peculiar way, this tournament belongs to Iran. After securing their place through on-field performances, they have faced ongoing hostility from a government at odds with their nation—though a recent peace agreement was reached early Monday morning—and have also had to navigate issues surrounding visa policies for entering the US.
The first team caught up in the turmoil of Group G will be New Zealand, who face Iran in their opening match at SoFi Stadium.
How that unfolds on the field is impossible to predict, but this game provides the first chance for the world to assess the appropriateness of the tournament hosts over the coming six weeks.
Read on as FourFourTwo provides all the details you need to watch Iran vs New Zealand in the FIFA World Cup 2026 online, on TV, and from any location.
Watch Iran vs New Zealand for FREE
Iran vs New Zealand will be available to stream for free across multiple regions, including BBC in the UK, RTÉ Player in Ireland, SBS On Demand in Australia, CazéTV on YouTube in Brazil, NOS in the Netherlands, RTBF / VRT in Belgium, SRF / RTS / RSI in Switzerland, and TRT in Turkey.
TVNZ is also showing this as one of their select free games.
English commentary will be offered on BBC, RTE Player, and SBS On Demand.
‼️ Outside one of these countries? Use Norton VPN to unlock your stream from anywhere globally—more details below.
Watch Iran vs New Zealand from anywhere
Away from home this summer and hoping to catch Iran vs New Zealand? All you need is a VPN, a useful piece of software that makes your devices appear to be in a different location.
For this World Cup, our office colleagues at TechRadar are recommending Norton VPN:
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How to watch Iran vs New Zealand in the UK
In the UK, you can stream Iran vs New Zealand on BBC One.
Watch Iran vs New Zealand free on BBC iPlayer
You can stream 54 matches live for free on the BBC, including today's game between Iran and New Zealand. A BBC account with a UK postcode (SE1 7PB) and a valid TV license are required.
How to watch Iran vs New Zealand in the US
In the US, you can stream Iran vs New Zealand on FS1.
This channel is available through Fox's own streaming platform, Fox One, or via a cord-cutting service such as YouTube TV, Hulu+Live TV, Sling (select markets), Fubo, or DirecTV.
Stream Iran vs New Zealand on Fox One
Fox One is the simplest way to watch the World Cup in the US this summer. The streaming service includes both Fox and FS1 and currently offers a 3-day free trial. Prices after that are $19.99/month.
How to watch Iran vs New Zealand in Australia
In Australia, you can watch Iran vs New Zealand on the free SBS On Demand.
Watch Iran vs New Zealand live and free on SBS
It's straightforward for Australian fans, as every FIFA World Cup match is available for free on SBS On Demand. You'll need an account and a valid Australian postcode (e.g., 2026).
Iran vs New Zealand: World Cup 2026 Preview
On the pitch, this opening match could be crucial for one of these sides. With Belgium and Egypt still to come, it's safe to assume that Iran and New Zealand will be aiming first for a win, then for third place, and then for more.
New Zealand are one of two teams at the 2026 World Cup with English managers. Darren Bazeley, a former Walsall and Wolverhampton Wanderers defender from Northampton, initially moved to New Zealand as a player.
He took over the national team job on a full-time basis in 2023 and secured the OFC Nations Cup in 2024. The All Whites qualified as one of the main beneficiaries of the expanded 48-team format, topping Oceania qualifying with ease after missing the last three World Cups.
Iran's qualification record remains impressive within an increasingly tough Asian confederation. Since returning from disqualification after the 1986 World Cup, they have qualified for all but four tournaments.
Like New Zealand, who are making only their third appearance, they have yet to advance past the group stage in any of them.
Iran vs New Zealand: Group G
FourFourTwo's prediction
Iran 1-1 New Zealand
Amir Ghalenoei's side are facing an uphill battle, to say the least, but FourFourTwo predicts they will score the opening goal in California tonight.
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Chris is a Warwickshire-based freelance football writer specializing in West Midlands football, the Premier League, the EFL, and the J.League. He is the author of the High Protein Beef Paste football newsletter and owner of Aston Villa Review. He supports Coventry Sphinx.
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