Source: Radio New Zealand
All Whites captain Chris Wood pictured ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifying match against New Caledonia. Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
New Zealand football great Ivan Vicelich says the All White’s best shot at World Cup glory will come early at next year’s FIFA tournament.
Vicelich whose international career spanned two decades, says it’s crucial New Zealand hits peak form in the opening clash.
New Zealand will take on Iran, the World No. 20 ranked side, on June 16 at the vast Los Angeles Stadium, with a capacity of over 70,000.
“Look, the beauty for us is that we’re at the World Cup. We’ve got top quality players in there who can change a game,” Vicelich said.
“We have to focus on one or two teams and get results the best we can.
“It’s great to see Ryan Thomas back and Sarpreet Singh. As a group the team looks like they’re in sync. There’s the odd goal conceded that’s not a good way to concede – hopefully they can iron that out.”
Drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and Iran, New Zealand (ranked 86th) will play two games in Canada, and one in the United States.
Their final two group games will be played at BC Place Vancouver, against Egypt on June 22, and Belgium on June 27 – another large stadium with a capacity of around 55,000.
While not the hardest of the 12 pools, all three nations are ranked more than 50 places higher than New Zealand.
Belgium are ranked eighth in the world and qualified for the World Cup by topping their European qualification group.
Ominously, Iran and Egypt also topped their groups in qualifying.
Sarpreet Singh takes a kick against Tunisia in 2024. PHOTOSPORT
Former All Whites defender Ben Sigmund says that with a bit of fine tuning, the opener against Iran is there for the taking.
But he’d urge New Zealand to play a more attacking style.
“Iran is probably our best chance, that’s the one you want to focus on – that’s your focus point,” Sigmund said.
“Egypt you’d probably want to get that draw, but they’re a very good side.”
“We’ve got the players, we’ve got the team. You never know?
“If you can take away those odd one percenters, this team has a really good chance.”
World Cup mania has arrived early, with friends texting Sigmund to find tickets to the All Whites matches.
“I’m getting messages as everyone’s asking me how to get tickets, but it’s not that easy,” he laughed.
TVNZ has secured every All Whites match to be broadcast live and free on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+.
New Zealand’s FIFA World Cup 2026 match schedule:
June 16: Iran vs New Zealand – Los Angeles Stadium
June 22: New Zealand vs Egypt – BC Place Vancouver
June 27: New Zealand vs Belgium – BC Place Vancouver
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
