New Zealand squad announcement for 2026 World Cup: Chris Wood leads the All Whites

⚡ Key points AI generated

Chris Wood of Nottingham Forest leads New Zealand as their main offensive weapon in the 2026 World Cup, arriving in an excellent scoring moment
Wood and Tommy Smith make history by becoming the first New Zealand footballers to play in two consecutive World Cups
The All Whites face a challenging Group G against Belgium, Egypt and Iran, combining veteran experience with new faces for their return to the world stage

New Zealand returns to the big stage (Group G) with a blend of experience and fresh faces. Their trump card is the firepower of a Premier League goal machine.

⚠️ Official All Whites squad list; worth checking the final 26-man roster before any last-minute changes.

🌟 Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest) is the beacon: the striker arriving in brilliant goalscoring form to carry his side through.

🎯 Kiwi history: Wood and centre-back Tommy Smith (36) make history as the first New Zealand footballers to play in two World Cups.

🌏 Tough Group G for the All Whites: Belgium, Egypt and Iran. Wood's finishing will need to be razor-sharp.

🔙 The All Whites return to a World Cup with hunger, combining the experience of their veterans with fresh talent from both inside and outside the island.

📋 Full squad · Manager: Darren Bazeley

🧤 Goalkeepers

Max Crocombe (Millwall), Alex Paulsen (Lechia Gdańsk), Michael Woud (Auckland FC)

🛡️ Defenders

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)

⚙️ Midfielders

Joe Bell (Viking FK), Matt Garbett (Peterborough), Marko Stamenic (Swansea), Sarpreet Singh (Wellington Phoenix), Alex Rufer (Wellington Phoenix), Ryan Thomas (PEC Zwolle)

⚽ Forwards

Kosta Barbarouses, Eli Just, Callum McCowatt, Jesse Randall, Ben Waine, Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)

🏆 Group G

⚽ Opponents: Belgium, Egypt and Iran

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Frequently asked questions

Who is the New Zealand manager for the 2026 World Cup?

Darren Bazeley is the New Zealand manager for the 2026 World Cup.

Which group is New Zealand in for the 2026 World Cup?

New Zealand is in Group G of the 2026 World Cup, alongside Belgium, Egypt and Iran.

How many players does New Zealand call up for the 2026 World Cup?

New Zealand names a squad of 26 players for the 2026 World Cup, according to the FIFA format established for the tournament.

Where does New Zealand play its matches at the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup is held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. New Zealand plays in Group G against Belgium, Egypt and Iran.

Nueva Zelanda All Whites Convocatoria Mundial 2026 Chris Wood Grupo G

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