Iran face New Zealand in World Cup opener amid tensions

Iran will play New Zealand on Tuesday in their World Cup Group H opener at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

The match carries added weight due to ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States. Iran moved their base to Mexico after war broke out on February 28 but must still fly in and out of the US on match day.

Iran are ranked 20th in the world while New Zealand sit 65 places lower. New Zealand have not won a World Cup game since 2010 and have scored in just one of their last five matches.

Roozbeh Cheshmi is ruled out for Iran with a knee injury. Matt Garbett remains a doubt for New Zealand with a hamstring problem.

The game kicks off at 2:00am UK time and will be shown on BBC One.

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The opening match between Mexico and South Africa at Azteca Stadium during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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