New Zealand heads into the 2026 FIFA World Cup hoping to make an impact once again on the biggest stage in international soccer. The All Whites arrive at the tournament after dominating Oceania qualifying and building a squad that combines European experience with emerging young talent.

The team coached by Darren Bazeley knows that the clash against IR Iran will be one of its toughest tests. The Asian side is known for its tactical discipline, physical strength, and international experience, meaning New Zealand will need a strong performance across all areas of the pitch.

Chris Wood remains the focal point in attack

Up front, all eyes will be on Chris Wood, New Zealand's leading figure and one of the most recognizable players in the squad thanks to his long career in English soccer.

The experienced striker could be partnered by Elijah Just, whose speed, movement, and ability to exploit space make him a valuable attacking option. The combination of Wood's physical presence and Just's dynamism could become one of the All Whites' main offensive weapons.

New Zealand's Predicted Lineup vs IR Iran

New Zealand will look to compete on equal terms with IR Iran by relying on a balanced structure and the leadership of its most experienced players.

Predicted New Zealand lineup:

Max Crocombe; Tyler Bindon, Francis De Vries, Finn Surman, Tim Payne; Marko Stamenic, Ryan Thomas, Sarpreet Singh, Ben Old; Elijah Just and Chris Wood.

If New Zealand can maintain its defensive solidity and capitalize on Chris Wood's quality inside the penalty area, the All Whites will have a strong chance of fighting for a positive result in this 2026 World Cup group-stage encounter.