New Zealand
Manager: Darren Bazeley
Overview
New Zealand are Oceania's strongest footballing nation alongside Australia, and the All Whites have been consistent contenders for the OFC's World Cup berth. New Zealand play a direct, physical style suited to their squad of players competing across the A-League, MLS, and lower European leagues. Their team ethos reflects the broader New Zealand sporting culture of resilience, unity, and competing fiercely regardless of the odds. The co-hosting of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup helped boost football's profile in the country. New Zealand will approach the World Cup as underdogs but with genuine belief they can compete in the group stage.
Squad
26 playersGoalkeepers3
Max Crocombe
Millwall
Alex Paulsen
Lechia Gdańsk
Michael Woud
Auckland FC
Defenders9
Tim Payne
Wellington Phoenix
Francis de Vries
Auckland FC
Tyler Bindon
Nottingham Forest
Michael Boxall
Minnesota United
Liberato Cacace
Wrexham
Nando Pijnaker
Auckland FC
Finn Surman
Portland Timbers
Callan Elliot
Auckland FC
Tommy Smith
Braintree Town
Midfielders6
Joe Bell
Viking FK
Matt Garbett
Peterborough United
Marko Stamenić
Swansea City
Sarpreet Singh
Wellington Phoenix
Alex Rufer
Wellington Phoenix
Ryan Thomas
PEC Zwolle
Forwards8
Chris Wood
Nottingham Forest
Eli Just
Motherwell
Kosta Barbarouses
Western Sydney Wanderers
Ben Waine
Port Vale
Ben Old
Saint-Étienne
Callum McCowatt
Silkeborg
Jesse Randall
Auckland FC
Lachlan Bayliss
Newcastle Jets
World Cup History
New Zealand have appeared at two World Cups: 1982 in Spain, where they lost all three group matches, and 2010 in South Africa, where they achieved the remarkable feat of going unbeaten, drawing all three group matches against Slovakia, Italy, and Paraguay. The draw against eventual runners-up Italy remains one of the most celebrated results in New Zealand sporting history.
Group G Opponents
Fun Fact
New Zealand were the only unbeaten team at the 2010 World Cup, drawing all three group matches, while eventual champions Spain and runners-up Netherlands both lost a game during the tournament.
Predict New Zealand's Path to the Final
Think New Zealand can win the 2026 World Cup? Use our free simulator to predict every match and build the ultimate bracket.