Iran versus New Zealand
- Kick-off:
- Stadium: SoFi Stadium · Los Angeles, United States
Iran
Iran return for a fourth consecutive tournament — the longest streak in their history — with the squad finally maturing into a knockout-capable side. Amir Ghalenoei, retained through 2026, runs a deep, organised 4-3-3 anchored by Sardar Azmoun (Shabab Al-Ahli) and Mehdi Taremi (Inter Milan), the most prolific Iranian striker pair in modern memory. Alireza Jahanbakhsh provides veteran experience on the wing; Saeid Ezatolahi and Saman Ghoddos screen midfield. Team Melli have never advanced past the group stage in 15 prior attempts, but the 2022 squad came within seconds of doing so against the United States. Group G with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand is the most winnable draw they have ever received — second place is a genuine target.
New Zealand
New Zealand reach their third tournament and first since 2010, when the All Whites famously drew all three group games and exited unbeaten — still the only team in tournament history to do so. Darren Bazeley, the English coach who took over in 2023, leads a squad balanced between European-based veterans and emerging A-League talent. Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest) provides the focal point in attack; Marko Stamenić (Olympiacos) and Liberato Cacace (Empoli) offer Premier League and Serie A pedigree. The squad lacks elite depth, but Oceania has its expanded place and the All Whites grasped it. Group G with Belgium, Egypt and Iran is the toughest possible draw — every match is essentially a free hit, with even a single point a meaningful achievement.
SoFi Stadium
SoFi Stadium hosts eight matches in 2026, including a quarter-final, anchoring the tournament's presence on the United States' Pacific coast. Located in Inglewood, Los Angeles County, the venue opened in 2020 at a cost exceeding $5 billion — the most expensive sports facility ever built. Capacity for football is approximately 70,240, expandable to 100,000 for special events. The fixed-roof translucent canopy keeps the playing surface shielded from sun and rain while allowing natural light. The pitch was converted from artificial turf to a temporary natural-grass system specifically for the tournament. Climate: dry, warm Mediterranean summer with predictable conditions and minimal rain — among the most reliable weather in the host country. SoFi's status as home to the Rams and Chargers gives it built-in operational expertise for major events.