Iran and New Zealand will meet at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Monday evening, as both nations begin their 2026 World Cup campaigns in Group G.Iran will see this as a major chance to start the tournament with three points, while New Zealand returns to the World Cup stage for the first time since 2010 and will look to make their own breakthrough.Verdict: Iran to winBest odds: 87/100Bookmaker: 1xBetIranIran enters the tournament with a clear objective. They have never reached the knockout stages of a World Cup, but this expanded format gives them a real chance to change that if they can make a strong start in Group G.Amir Ghalenoei’s side will know that matches against New Zealand and Egypt are likely to decide their hopes of progress, especially with Belgium also in the group. That makes this opener especially important, because anything short of a win would immediately increase pressure before the more difficult fixtures arrive.Iran’s biggest attacking strength is Mehdi Taremi. The experienced forward has carried major responsibility for the national team for years, and with Sardar Azmoun left out of the squad, Taremi’s role becomes even more important. Alireza Jahanbakhsh also brings experience and quality in attacking areas, while Iran should have enough midfield structure to control long spells of this match.The main question is whether Iran can handle the pressure. There has been plenty of noise around their tournament build-up, and the setting in Los Angeles adds another layer to the fixture. On the pitch, though, this is exactly the kind of game Iran needs to win if they want to finally move beyond the group stage.Iran Team NewsMehdi Taremi and Alireza Jahanbakhsh are expected to be among the key attacking figures for Iran. Taremi will carry much of the scoring burden, especially after Sardar Azmoun was left out of the final World Cup squad.Amir Ghalenoei has several experienced players available, and Iran is likely to approach this game with a strong structure rather than take unnecessary risks from the start. Their midfield and defensive shape will be important because New Zealand can be dangerous when they play early balls toward Chris Wood.Iran’s back line should be set up to deal with direct service into the box, while the midfield will need to prevent New Zealand from building momentum through second balls. If Iran controls those areas, they should spend enough time in New Zealand’s half to create chances.Further forward, the responsibility will fall on Taremi and Jahanbakhsh to provide quality in the final third. Iran is unlikely to dominate with relentless attacking pressure, but they have enough individual quality to make decisive moments count.New ZealandNew Zealand arrives at the World Cup for the first time since 2010, and that alone makes this a significant moment for Darren Bazeley’s squad. The All Whites have waited a long time to return to this stage, and they will be desperate to prove they can compete outside Oceania.Their biggest name is Chris Wood. The Nottingham Forest striker is New Zealand’s captain, all-time leading scorer, and main attacking player. He has declared himself fit ahead of the tournament, which is a major boost for a team that will need his physical presence and finishing if they are to take points in Group G.New Zealand is also trying to play differently compared to their previous teams. This team is more technically gifted and they will try to build up game with short passes and control the possession. Marko Stamenic, Sarpreet Singh, and Joe Bell can give them balance in midfield, while Liberato Cacace, Tyler Bindon, and Tommy Smith bring useful defensive options.New Zealand came through OFC qualifying with authority, but the World Cup is a different test. Iran is more experienced at this level, and the All Whites will need to stay compact, defend set pieces well, and make the most of the few clear chances they get.New Zealand Team NewsChris Wood is fit and available to lead the line for New Zealand. His presence is essential for Bazeley’s side, both because of his goal threat and because he gives them a clear outlet when they are under pressure.Max Crocombe, Alex Paulsen, and Michael Woud are the goalkeeping options in the squad. Crocombe is one of the more experienced names and could be trusted from the start.In defence, New Zealand have Liberato Cacace, Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Tommy Smith, Tim Payne, Francis De Vries, Nando Pijnaker, Finn Surman and Callan Elliot among the available options. Smith and Wood are both set to make history as the only New Zealand players to feature at two World Cups.In midfield and attack, Marko Stamenic, Sarpreet Singh, and Joe Bell should be important if New Zealand wants to keep the ball better than they have in previous World Cup campaigns. Further forward, Wood will be the main figure, while players such as Ben Waine and Elijah Just can offer support from wider areas.Iran vs New Zealand Key Factors to ConsiderIran is making their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance and their seventh overall.New Zealand is back at the World Cup for the first time since 2010.Iran has never reached the knockout stages of a World Cup, while New Zealand is still looking for its first World Cup win.Mehdi Taremi is Iran’s main attacking figure after Sardar Azmoun was left out of the squad.Chris Wood is fit and will captain New Zealand, giving the All Whites a proven Premier League striker in attack.ConclusionNew Zealand should be competitive, especially if they stay organised and use Wood well in the final third. Bazeley’s side has enough discipline to make this awkward, and they will treat this as one of their best chances to get a positive result in Group G.However, Iran has more tournament experience, stronger individual quality in attacking areas, and a clearer route to controlling the match. Taremi and Jahanbakhsh give them proven quality, while their defensive structure should be suited to handling New Zealand’s more direct attacking threat.This may not be a wide-open game, but Iran looks better placed to edge it. With both teams likely to understand the importance of the opener, Team Melli’s experience and extra quality in decisive areas should make the difference.Verdict: Iran to winBest odds: 87/100Bookmaker: 1xBetThe post Prediction: Iran vs New Zealand appeared first on SoccerNews.