Iran and New Zealand have announced their starting teams ahead of their Group G match at the 2026 World Cup in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Both sides begin their campaigns looking to make history at the tournament.
Iran field Alireza Jahanbakhsh on the bench after a recent knock, while centre-back Roozbeh Cheshmi misses out with a hamstring injury. Striker Sardar Azmoun was omitted from the squad following an earlier dispute.
New Zealand midfielder Matthew Garbett is unavailable due to a hamstring problem sustained in training. Captain Chris Wood returns after a knee injury, with Tim Payne and Sarpreet Singh also featuring despite prior fitness concerns.
The match kicks off at 02:00 BST. Iran have never advanced beyond the group stage in three prior appearances, while New Zealand seek their first win in seven World Cup matches.
