FIFA WC: New Zealand treating Iran fixture as "normal game," says coach Bazeley
Inglewood, June 15
New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley said that they are treating their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Iran on Monday as a "normal game". Notably, the Iran clash comes amid the backdrop of the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran.
Ahead of the Monday clash, Bazeley said New Zealand are treating it like any other game, explaining that their preparation has remained the same for all international fixtures. He added that while it is a significant occasion because it is a World Cup match, New Zealand's focus is simply on performing well in the tournament.
"To be honest, we've treated it as a normal game. We prepare the same for every international game that we play, and we've done nothing different for this game. For us, it's a big game because it's a World Cup game, and we want to do well here at the World Cup," Bazeley said as quoted by Reuters.
New Zealand captain Chris Wood also said that the team is fully focused on football, stressing that once they step onto the pitch, all external factors are set aside.
"All we've been focused on is football. Once you go through the white lines, nothing else matters," he said.
Notably, Iran, ranked 20th in the world and unbeaten in Asian qualifying, enter the match in strong form, but Chris Wood said the tournament has already shown that the gap between many teams is small, which gives New Zealand--ranked 85th--added confidence.
"It's exciting that mostly all the games have been quite tight and quite close, and everybody's had a chance to win. That gives us confidence," he said.
The match marks New Zealand's first World Cup appearance in 16 years, with Bazeley saying the squad has spent years preparing for this moment.
"We've waited a long time to be here. We're excited to get going," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian football fan, this is inspiring. New Zealand coming back after 16 years and not letting external politics distract them - that's the attitude we need in our own sports teams. Chris Wood's "once you go through the white lines, nothing else matters" line is gold. 🇮🇳⚽
I appreciate the professional mindset, but it's a bit naive to completely ignore the geopolitical situation Iran is in. The players might feel pressure from their nation's situation, even if New Zealand players don't. Still, respect to Bazeley for keeping the team grounded.
New Zealand being ranked 85th and still coming with this confidence is what makes the World Cup beautiful. The gap between minnows and giants is shrinking every tournament. India should take notes on how to build a team with limited resources and pure heart. 🇳🇿👏
The conflict backdrop adds unnecessary tension to sport. I'm glad the New Zealand camp is focusing on football. But let's be real - Iran will have extra motivation playing for their country amidst all this. Going to be a cracker of a match! 🔥
Waiting 16 years and then saying "it's a normal game" - that's elite level mindset. I think Bazeley is downplaying it to keep pressure off the players. Inside the dressing room, they must be buzzing. Iran will be tough though - they've been a force in Asian football.
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