Published Jun 9, 5:27am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jun 9, 5:27am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Jun 9, 5:27am ET
Group G could be one of the most challenging opening rounds to predict at this summer’s World Cup, meaning that there will be extra intrigue around the opening fixture between Iran and New Zealand.
Iran could be overlooked in the betting to reach the next round, and their recent form could give them an excellent chance of joining Belgium in the round of 32.
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|
|---|---|
| Iran | -112 |
| DRAW | +252 |
| New Zealand | +348 |
Iran’s involvement at the World Cup this summer has made international headlines, but they are deserving of their spot based on sporting merit.
The Asian nation qualified for the tournament after winning eleven of their 16 fixtures, and scoring an impressive 35 goals. They have not reached the World Cup in each of the last four editions, but they are yet to make it out of the group stage.
Their recent form has been impressive, winning each of their previous three, and scoring ten goals in wins over Costa Rica, Gambia, and Mali.
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New Zealand are the massive outsiders in the betting to gain qualification from Group G this summer. Darren Bazeley’s team dominated qualification in the Oceania region, winning all five of their fixtures and scoring 29 goals.
They will be playing in their second ever World Cup this summer, but the All Whites are yet to win a group stage fixture in six attempts.
Their recent form shows their shortcomings at the top level, having lost nine of their last eleven, and failing to score in three of their four defeats in 2026.
I think Iran could surprise a few at the World Cup, and I like their chances of finishing as the Group G runners-up. Therefore, I think that they will have too much attacking strength for New Zealand in California on June 15.
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Pick
Iran (-112)
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