Iran and New Zealand face off tonight in the World Cup, and we’ve got you covered with odds, picks, and best bets. As the final game in today’s World Cup window, the match kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on FS1.
These Group G competitors are coming in on entirely different trajectories. DraftKings is dealing Iran as a -125 favorite, New Zealand as a +400 underdog, with the draw priced at +250. The total is set at 2.5.
At DraftKings, 68% of the moneyline handle and 73% of tickets are on Iran.
Best Bet Iran vs. New Zealand
Iran (-125 on moneyline)
Iran, ranked 20th in the current FIFA World Rankings, enters on the heels of an impressive qualification run in Asia, losing just once in 16 matches. Team Melli will attempt to advance from the group stage for the first time.
At No. 85 in the world, New Zealand and its back line were exposed in a 4-0 loss to Haiti earlier this month. This shapes up as a difficult opening test for the Kiwis, who have failed to score in seven of their last 10 matches. Striker Chris Wood is the most likely to find the back of the net, leading New Zealand with 45 career goals.
Iran counters with a capable backline on defense and a proven goal scorer in Mehdi Taremi. He has 60 goals in 105 caps and led Iran with 10 goals and 7 assists during qualification.
Iran endured several off-the-field challenges leading into the World Cup after the US and Israel attacked it in February. Protests are expected ahead of tonight’s game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Despite these distractions, the conflict could galvanize the Iranian side. Taremi and Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei both noted that Team Melli will be playing for every Iranian.
Pick: Iran 1-0
Best Iran vs. New Zealand Player Prop
Mehdi Taremi Over 0.5 Goals (+175)
Taremi is the scoring engine that drives Iran. He enjoyed a stellar season with Olympiacos in the Greek Super League, scoring 10 goals. He added a couple more in Champions League play.
Taremi started the 2022 World Cup by scoring both of Iran’s goals in a 6-2 loss to England. It wouldn’t be a surprise for him to enjoy another fast start against New Zealand’s questionable back line.
Put simply, he’s the most likely player on the pitch to score tonight. The odds for all goal scorers reflect that, but this is still a decent price.
