20th-ranked Iran will take on New Zealand in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup. 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 tough 4-0 loss to Haiti and a narrow 1-0 loss to England in pre-tournament friendlies, offer little encouragement ahead of a daunting Group G opener.
Iran, on the other hand, arrives as a firm favorite. Team Melli has qualified for a fourth consecutive World Cup and has much 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 games for his country, he will be desperate to take them to the first knockout stage in their history.
With Belgium and Egypt also lurking in Group G, both sides know that a positive result in Los Angeles is crucial. But can Iran cope with the chaotic logistics of having to travel to the United States for its match and then return to Mexico the same day? And the background rumors about the signing of a peace agreement with the United States in the last few hours?
Read on as we show you exactly how to watch Iran vs New Zealand for free from anywhere at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
How to watch Iran vs New Zealand for free
Iran vs New Zealand is available to watch for free in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, and Türkiye.
Are you away from home and can’t watch it for free? Unlock 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 travel, you may discover your usual Iran vs New Zealand Streaming is suddenly unavailable due to geographic restrictions.
Don’t worry, that’s exactly where a VPN can help you. A virtual private network allows you to connect to servers around the world so you can securely access your regular World Cup coverage as if you were at home.
we recommend Norton VPN. Here’s why:
How to watch Iran vs New Zealand in the US
American viewers can watch Iran vs New Zealand in FS1.
Cord cutters can access FS1 through live TV services like YouTube TV (free trial), Hulu+Live TV, Sling (select markets), fubo either DirectTV.
Those looking for a streaming service can watch Iran vs New Zealand on Fox One (3-day free trial).
If you’re looking for a Spanish broadcast, you can watch it on Telemundo, which is available through Peacock.
Visiting the US from the UK? You can still watch your World Cup stream for free thanks to Norton VPN (Money Back Guarantee).
How to watch Iran vs New Zealand in the UK
UK customers are in luck because they can stream Iran vs New Zealand free in BBC iPlayer. Live coverage is also available on the BBC one Television channel.
You need a TV license and a valid UK postcode for an account (e.g. SE1 7PB).
Norton VPN You can unblock 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 all the tournament games for free, making it the perfect place to watch the World Cup.
Are you traveling for work or vacation? A VPN like Norton VPN can help you unlock your free streaming.
How to watch Iran vs New Zealand in Canada
In Canada, TSN will be transmitting Iran vs New Zealand.
You can broadcast live through the TSN+ streaming platform, which costs CA$8 per month or CA$80 per year.
Outside Canada? Wear Norton VPN while traveling away from home to unblock your stream.
Iran vs New Zealand: match information
What time does Iran vs New Zealand start?
Iran vs New Zealand starts at 9 pm ET on Monday, June 15. It’s 2am BST and 11am AEST on 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 (Tonto), Ramin Rezaeian (Tonto), 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 Razzaghinia (Esteghlal)
Forwards: 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), Ryan Thomas (PEC Zwolle), Lachlan Bayliss (Newcastle Jets)
Forwards: Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest), Kosta Barbarouses (Western Sydney Wanderers), Ben Waine (Port Vale), Jesse Randall (Auckland FC)
|
Position |
Equipment |
God |
Needles |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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 through mobile apps or through the browser on your phone.
You can also stay up to date with all the key World Cup moments on the official social media channels on X/Twitter (@FIFAWorldCup), Instagram (@FIFAWorldCup), TikTok (@FIFAWorldCup) and YouTube (@FIFA).
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