This article is part of a collaborative effort among top media organizations from the 48 nations qualified for the 2026 World Cup. As the tournament approaches, previews from three different countries will be shared each day, leading up to the kickoff on June 11.
The Strategy Ahead
The All Whites, as New Zealand’s national team is known, have secured a spot in the World Cup for only the third time by clinching the Oceania region’s lone qualifying position. Since their last appearance in 2010, the team has transitioned from amateur athletes to professionals, sparking optimism that they possess the necessary skills and experience to advance to the knockout stages for the first time.
However, the challenge is formidable. Ranked 85th, New Zealand is the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, facing off against formidable opponents including Belgium (ranked 9th), Egypt (29th), and Iran (21st) in Group G. Commentator Paul Ifill highlights that the current squad is “miles better” than the team that participated in South Africa, where they finished without a loss but managed only draws. Following the squad announcement, coach Darren Bazeley remarked, “It’s a blend of exciting young talent and experienced players to maximize our chances of winning games and progressing from our group.”
Bazeley prefers a possession-based style of play, which proved effective during the qualifiers but may present greater difficulties against more skilled teams. Their recent friendly matches have seen mixed results, including a draw against Norway (who played without star striker Erling Haaland) and seven losses, among them two against Australia. In March, they experienced a lackluster 2-0 defeat to Finland before bouncing back with a convincing 4-1 victory over Chile, marking New Zealand’s first win against a South American nation.
Group G Fixtures for New Zealand
15 June v Iran, Los Angeles (6pm local, 16 June 2am BST, 16 June 11am AEST)
21 June v Egypt, Vancouver (6pm local, 16 June 2am BST, 16 June 11am AEST)
26 June v Belgium, Vancouver (8pm local, 27 June 4am BST, 27 June 1pm AEST)
Captain Chris Wood, a key player and one of only two survivors from the previous World Cup, will be pivotal, particularly regarding his fitness. After a strong showing in the 2024-25 Premier League season, where he was a top scorer contender, a serious knee injury sidelined him for several months.
“New Zealand will need to defend without the ball while finding ways to capitalize on our opportunities,” Ifill states. “Much will depend on Wood’s fitness.”
The qualification journey, which culminated in a victory against New Caledonia in March 2025, was described by commentator Mathew Nash as “money for old rope for the All Whites” against smaller Pacific teams. “The gap between New Zealand and other OFC nations has widened significantly, as evidenced by their last 15 matches against rivals: 14 wins, one draw, with only four goals conceded and 64 goals scored,” Nash noted during a Radio New Zealand broadcast.
The Coach’s Vision
Darren Bazeley, who hails from Northampton, has significantly improved the team’s performance, positioning them as potential contenders for the knockout rounds. He will make history in Los Angeles as the first coach to lead teams at the Olympic Games, U-17, U-20, and senior World Cup levels. As a former defender, Bazeley made over 450 appearances in his playing career with clubs like Watford, Wolves, and Walsall, before transitioning to coaching roles in both the A-League and MLS. Most of his coaching experience has been in New Zealand, where he has worked with players at various age levels, fostering a strong rapport with the current senior squad.
Star Player Spotlight
With 89 caps and 45 goals for his country, Chris Wood serves a vital role similar to that of Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal or Kylian Mbappé for France: he is the captain, the all-time leading scorer, and a source of inspiration. “He invests so much into representing New Zealand and is dedicated both on and off the field,” Bazeley comments. Wood began his professional journey with West Bromwich Albion in 2009, enduring multiple loan spells, before moving on to clubs such as Leicester, Leeds, Burnley, Newcastle, and most recently, Nottingham Forest, where he has elevated his game.
Emerging Talent
At just 26 years old, attacking midfielder Eli Just had a stellar 2025-26 season in the Scottish Premiership, being named player of the year for Motherwell, as well as the PFA’s player of the year, and earning a spot on the PFA Scotland Premiership team of the year. His captain at Motherwell, Paul McGinn, described the talented Kiwi as “absolutely brilliant,” adding, “He’s incredibly sharp and possesses a remarkable footballing intelligence.” Former All White Noel Barkley also praises Just, predicting that he will soon join a larger club: “He’s a modest and unassuming player, a true Kiwi gem.”
Likely Starting Lineup
Unsung Hero
Central midfielder Joe Bell is content to operate away from the limelight. “I prefer not to be the center of attention,” he admits, yet he does not shy away from his responsibilities in both offense and defense. Bell, who plays for Viking in Norway, is known for his prowess in duels and confidence on the ball. With 31 caps to his name, he has occasionally been entrusted with the captaincy in Wood’s absence.
Fan Expectations
Given the distance to the U.S. and high costs, New Zealand’s supporters may be outnumbered by fans of opposing teams during all three group matches. However, the supporter group known as “The Flying Kiwis” will make their presence felt, with nearly 500 members attending the games. Barkley, a member of the group, promises that they “will make a noise.” Matt Fejos, a Flying Kiwis member since 2009, stated, “Many view us as a rugby nation, perhaps even as hobbits, but that allows us to approach with an underdog mentality, fearless. We aim to leave our mark and showcase something different.”
US Relations and Historical Context
The U.S. president recently claimed that his nation was responsible for splitting the atom, a historic feat actually achieved by New Zealander Sir Ernest Rutherford in 1917 at Victoria University of Manchester in England. Nick Smith, the mayor of Nelson, where Rutherford grew up, extended an invitation to the U.S. ambassador to New Zealand, encouraging a visit to the Lord Rutherford memorial in Brightwater to ensure the historical record is accurate. Additionally, there have been tariff warnings if New Zealand does not finalize a deal to supply the U.S. with certain minerals, with discussions ongoing.
