At the FIFA World Cup 2026, Chris Wood is New Zealand’s captain, record scorer and best hope of turning pressure into goals. | Photo Credit: Getty Images via AFP

New Zealand returns to the World Cup with one of the clearest outsider tags in the tournament. That does not make its story small. The All Blacks are back for the first time since 2010, when they left South Africa unbeaten but still failed to reach the knockouts.

Bazeley’s side qualified as Oceania’s representative and will know that Group G is a severe step up. Belgium has elite-level players, Egypt has Salah and Marmoush, and Iran brings tournament experience and physicality. New Zealand’s task is to make the group uncomfortable rather than open.

The first match against Iran in Los Angeles is its best chance of changing expectations. A draw would keep the group alive. A win would transform it. Lose that match, and New Zealand would need something against Egypt in Vancouver before closing against Belgium, which is a brutal route.

Wood remains the centre of everything. He is captain, record scorer and the team’s most reliable path to goal. Around him, New Zealand has a settled group, with Marko Stamenic, Liberato Cacace, Tyler Bindon and Michael Boxall giving the side structure.

The concern is midfield fitness, with Ryan Thomas and Joe Bell working back from injuries. If both are ready, New Zealand will have more control. Without them, it may have to survive through work rate, aerial strength and set pieces.

Player to watch out for: Chris Wood

Wood is New Zealand’s captain, record scorer and best hope of turning pressure into goals. Strong in the air and efficient inside the box, he gives the All Whites a clear focal point against stronger teams that are likely to dominate possession.

Manager: Darren Bazeley

Darren Bazeley has been part of New Zealand’s football pathway for years and brings continuity to the All Whites. His squad is settled and built around clarity rather than surprise. The challenge will be to keep New Zealand compact while giving Wood enough service to make its rare chances count.

New Zealand Predicted line-up (4-3-3):

Max Crocombe; Tim Payne, Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace; Marko Stamenic, Alex Rufer, Joe Bell; Eli Just, Chris Wood, Callum McCowatt.

Note: Ryan Thomas could start if fully fit.

New Zealand World Cup squad:

Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe, Alex Paulsen, Michael Woud

Defenders: Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Francis De Vries, Callan Elliot, Tim Payne, Nando Pijnaker, Tommy Smith, Finn Surman

Midfielders: Lachlan Bayliss, Joe Bell, Alex Rufer, Marko Stamenic, Ryan Thomas

Forwards: Kosta Barbarouses, Matt Garbett, Eli Just, Callum McCowatt, Ben Old, Jesse Randall, Sarpreet Singh, Ben Waine, Chris Wood

New Zealand World Cup stats:

• Appearances: 3
• Best finish: Group stage (1982, 2010)
• FIFA Ranking: 86
• MP: 6
• W: 0
• D: 3
• L: 3
• GF: 4
• GA: 14
• Highest active scorer: Chris Wood (45)

Published on Jun 09, 2026