New Zealand during the 2026 FIFA World Cup preview – Team Melli aims to bring chaos to glory

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

Bazeley’s team qualified as representatives of Oceania and will know that Group G is a serious step forward. Belgium has top-level players, Egypt has Salah and Marmoush, and Iran brings tournament experience and physicality. New Zealand’s job is to make the group uncomfortable rather than open.

The first match against Iran in Los Angeles is the best chance to change expectations. A draw would keep the group alive. A win would change it. Losing that match would leave New Zealand needing something against Egypt in Vancouver before closing out against Belgium, which is a brutal route.

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

The concern is about the fitness in midfield, with Ryan Thomas and Joe Bell recovering from injuries. Once both are done, New Zealand will have more control. Without them it may have to survive through work rate, air power and set pieces.

Player to watch out for: Chris Wood

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

Administrator: Darren Bazeley

Darren Bazeley has been part of the New Zealand football journey for years and provides continuity for the All Whites. His team is established and built around clarity rather than surprise. The challenge will be to keep New Zealand compact while providing Wood with enough service to make his rare chances count.

New Zealand Predicted Lineup (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.

Please 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

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

New Zealand World Cup statistics:

• Appearance: 3

• Best result: 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 June 9, 2026