Los Angeles, June 14: New Zealand will be aiming to secure their first-ever victory at the FIFA World Cup when they face Iran in a Group G encounter at Los Angeles Stadium on Monday.
The All Whites have yet to win a match in six appearances at the finals, recording three draws and three defeats. Their best showing came in South Africa in 2010 when they emerged as the tournament’s only unbeaten team, drawing all three group matches, including a memorable 1-1 result against defending champions Italy, but still failed to progress to the knockout stage.Under coach Darren Bazeley, New Zealand booked their place at the expanded 2026 World Cup by winning all five of their qualifying matches, scoring 29 goals and conceding just once.
However, the Oceania side head into the tournament in poor form, having managed only one victory in their last 11 matches while suffering eight defeats.The two teams played out a goalless draw in Auckland in 1973, while Iran claimed a 3-0 victory in Tehran in 2003. (Agencies)
