2026-06-06
Battling 1-0 loss to England offers some encouragement
A far tighter display in the final warm-up restored a measure of confidence.
Group G · OFC · FIFA #85 · 1501/1
New Zealand
1562Back at the World Cup after 16 years via an unbeaten OFC campaign, Bazeley's All Whites lean on a just-recovered Chris Wood to chase a first-ever World Cup win in a daunting Group G against Belgium, Egypt and Iran, with form a serious worry.
Coach Darren Bazeley (English) · since January 2024
Matches
Key players
- Chris WoodST · Nottingham Forest
Captain; back to full fitness after December knee surgery and NZ's first two-time men's World Cup player
- Liberato CacaceLB · Wrexham
Most accomplished defender, attack-minded on the left
- Max CrocombeGK · Millwall
First-choice goalkeeper
- Tommy SmithCB · Braintree Town
36-year-old joins Wood as a two-time World Cup All White
- Marko StamenicMF · Olympiacos
Young midfield engine of the new generation
- Matt GarbettAM · Torino
Creative midfielder adding Serie A pedigree
Injuries / doubts
- Chris Wood declared fully fit after October 2025 knee injury and December surgery; no other major absences reported
Recent form
| 2026-06-06 | England | 0-1 L | Friendly (Florida) |
| 2026-06-03 | Haiti | 0-4 L | Friendly |
| 2026-03-30 | Chile | 4-1 W | FIFA Series (Eden Park) |
| 2026-03-27 | Finland | 0-2 L | FIFA Series (Eden Park) |
News
2026-06-03
Shock 4-0 defeat to Haiti rocks preparations
A heavy loss in Florida raised alarm bells days before the opener vs Iran.
2026-05-22
Wood declares 'I'm back to full fitness'
The captain confirmed his recovery from knee surgery in time for the finals.
2026-05-14
All Whites squad named at Eden Park; Wood and Smith make history
First New Zealanders selected for two men's World Cups, 16 years after South Africa 2010.