New Zealand have officially named their 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, set to be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Head coach Darren Bazeley announced the selection on 13 May 2026, with captain Chris Wood headlining the group. This marks New Zealand’s first World Cup appearance in 16 years, since their last outing at South Africa 2010.
The All Whites are the only Oceanian nation competing at the tournament this year.
Chris Wood and Tommy Smith Set to Make History
Chris Wood and defender Tommy Smith will become the only New Zealand players to appear at two FIFA World Cups. Wood, who plays in England and holds the record as New Zealand’s all-time leading scorer, will captain the side. He joins Steve Sumner and Ryan Nelsen as the only men to have captained New Zealand at a World Cup.
“It will be an absolute privilege to be leading the side out as captain at this year’s World Cup,” Wood said after the announcement. “It’s been a long time, 16 years, since we’ve been at a World Cup and I can’t wait to share this moment with everyone.”
The squad carries strong experience. Half the 26 players have at least 25 international caps to their name. Only five players in the group have ten caps or fewer, giving Bazeley a settled and tested unit heading into the tournament.
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How New Zealand Built Their World Cup Squad
Coach Darren Bazeley revealed that the selection process was thorough and stretched over three years. His staff tracked around 50 players globally before arriving at the final 26.
“We spent the last three years monitoring and tracking 50 players around the world and then arrived at the final process of selecting this squad,” Bazeley said. “We left no stone unturned to make the right decisions to get the right balance for the squad.”
All squads remain provisional until FIFA confirms final lists on 2 June 2026.
New Zealand FIFA World Cup 2026 Squad
| Goal Keepers | Defenders | Midfielders | Forwards |
| Max Crocombe | Tyler Bindon | Lachlan Bayliss | Kosta Barbarouses |
| Alex Paulsen | Michael Boxall | Joe Bell | Jesse Randall |
| Michael Woud | Liberato Cacace | Matt Garbett | Ben Waine |
| Francis de Vries | Eli Just | Chris Wood | |
| Callan Elliot | Callum McCowatt | ||
| Tim Payne | Ben Old | ||
| Nando Pijnaker | Alex Rufer | ||
| Tommy Smith | Marko Stamenic | ||
| Finn Surman | Sarpreet Singh | ||
| Ryan Thomas |
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New Zealand’s Group G Fixtures at World Cup 2026
New Zealand have been drawn in Group G alongside IR Iran, Egypt, and Belgium. Their three group stage matches are all scheduled in the western part of North America.
All times for Indian audiences will require late-night or early-morning viewing, given the time difference between IST and North American time zones.
Belgium, one of the stronger sides in the group, will be the toughest test. But with Wood leading the line and a squad rich in experience, New Zealand will be looking to go beyond the group stage for the first time in their history.
New Zealand FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage Fixtures
| Date | Opponent | Location |
| 15 June | IR Iran | Los Angeles Stadium |
| 21 June | Egypt | BC Place Vancouver |
| 26 June | Belgium | BC Place Vancouver |
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