<\/p>\n
\nAll Whites captain Chris Wood pictured ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifying match against New Caledonia.
\nPhoto: Andrew Cornaga \/ www.photosport.nz\n<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Vicelich whose international career spanned two decades, says it’s crucial New Zealand hits peak form in the opening clash.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“We have to focus on one or two teams and get results the best we can.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
While not the hardest of the 12 pools, all three nations are ranked more than 50 places higher than New Zealand.<\/p>\n
Belgium are ranked eighth in the world and qualified for the World Cup by topping their European qualification group.<\/p>\n
Ominously, Iran and Egypt also topped their groups in qualifying.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\nSarpreet Singh takes a kick against Tunisia in 2024.
\nPhoto: PHOTOSPORT\n<\/p>\n
Former All Whites defender Ben Sigmund says that with a bit of fine tuning, the opener against Iran is there for the taking.<\/p>\n
But he’d urge New Zealand to play a more attacking style.<\/p>\n
“Iran is probably our best chance, that’s the one you want to focus on – that’s your focus point,” Sigmund said.<\/p>\n
“Egypt you’d probably want to get that draw, but they’re a very good side.”<\/p>\n
“We’ve got the players, we’ve got the team. You never know?<\/p>\n
“If you can take away those odd one percenters, this team has a really good chance.”<\/p>\n
World Cup mania has arrived early, with friends texting Sigmund to find tickets to the All Whites matches.<\/p>\n
“I’m getting messages as everyone’s asking me how to get tickets, but it’s not that easy,” he laughed.<\/p>\n
TVNZ has secured every All Whites match to be broadcast live and free on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+.<\/p>\n
New Zealand’s FIFA World Cup 2026 match schedule:<\/p>\n
June 16: Iran vs New Zealand – Los Angeles Stadium<\/p>\n
June 22: New Zealand vs Egypt – BC Place Vancouver<\/p>\n
June 27: New Zealand vs Belgium – BC Place Vancouver<\/p>\n