Iran and New Zealand met in Group G as the political turmoil between Iran and the U.S. overshadows the World Cup.

Turkish state broadcaster TRT has removed a commentator from its World Cup roster after he mixed up Iran and New Zealand teams. TRT said in a statement late on Tuesday that the commentator, identified by Turkish media as Murat Ekrem Çimen,

Elijah Just gave New Zealand the lead twice in the match, but Iran fought back brilliantly each time: Ramin Rezaeian scored and assisted Mohammed Mohebi as Iran poured forward in

Midfielder Matt Garbett was ruled out of New Zealand’s squad at the World Cup on Monday, hours before the team's opening game against Iran. New Zealand Football posted a statement on social media saying Garbett injured his hamstring in practice over the weekend.

Their son, Callan, first started kicking a ball with Annan Athletic - currently in Scottish League 2 - at their Galabank ground. Since the family moved to New Zealand when he was just seven, he has risen through the ranks and is now in the squad for his new homeland at the World Cup.

New Zealand ranks among the 2026 World Cup national teams with nearly 10 foreign-born players. New Zealand enters the 2026 World Cup with a 26-man roster just like every other country in the tournament.