INGLEWOOD, California, June 14 : New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley brushed aside the political backdrop to his side's World Cup opener against Iran on Monday, saying his players were focused solely on football despite heightened attention surrounding the match.The Group G clash in Los Angeles comes after month

By Rory CarrollLOS ANGELES, June 13 (Reuters) - Iran open their World Cup Group G campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on Monday in a match shaped as much by events off the…

Iran's coach Amir Ghalenoei said on Sunday political tensions and visa issues have damaged his side's preparations for the World Cup but insisted his players will not "pay…

INGLEWOOD, California, June 14 : New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley brushed aside the political backdrop to his side's World Cup opener against Iran on Monday, saying his players…

Iran’s World Cup preparation has been anything but ideal.

LOS ANGELES: Iran’s coach Amir Ghalenoei said on Sunday political tensions and visa issues have damaged his side’s preparations for the World Cup but insisted his players will not…

Protests and tension threatened to turn match into political flashpoint

The All Whites skipper says keeping calm will be key when they face Iran.

Iran will kick off their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in the early hours of Tuesday morning amid a scarcely believable backdrop of war with the host nation

Iran is beginning its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles after being forced to train in Tijuana, with players allowed into the US only for matches and many…

Everything you need to know ahead of Iran’s controversial World Cup opener

In the early hours of Tuesday, June 16, the national football teams of Iran and New Zealand will face off in their opening Group G match ...

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei and star forward Mehdi Taremi insisted their squad will be playing for all Iranians at the FIFA World Cup

The All Whites are shutting out the off-field distractions ahead of their Football World Cup opener against Iran.

After uncertainty over their participation and a disrupted build-up, Iran are set to begin their World Cup campaign.

Build-up to the All Whites' opening at the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

Neither Iran nor New Zealand has ever progressed past the group stage of a World Cup.

Los All Whites, considerados un equipo modesto y de corto recorrido en el panorama internacional, llegan a la cita con el respaldo de millones de aficionados.

Minute-by-minute report: Team Melli have dealt with endless challenges to face the All Whites in Los Angeles. Join Martin Pegan for updates

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

Follow Daily Mail Sport's live coverage as Iran get their World Cup campaign underway against New Zealand in politically-charged game in Los Angeles against a tense backdrop.