New Zealand World Cup 2026 Squad — All 26 Players Named by Darren Bazeley

Chris Wood at his fourth World Cup

Chris Wood is 34 years old and has been playing professional football since 2009. He has scored 45 international goals and earned 88 caps for New Zealand. He scored nine goals in qualifying. He is, without question, the greatest player New Zealand have ever produced and the reason they are in this tournament at all. At his fourth World Cup he is not the young striker who arrived in 2010 with something to prove. He is a battle-hardened veteran who knows exactly what he needs to do and when he needs to do it. If New Zealand get any results at this tournament, Wood will be the reason.

New Zealand's third ever World Cup

New Zealand appeared in 1982 and 2010. In South Africa in 2010 they were the only unbeaten team in the tournament — drawing all three group games including a famous 1-1 against Italy. Ryan Nelsen and Winston Reid were the names on everyone's lips that summer. Nobody expected it. Nobody expected New Zealand to be at a third World Cup either. But here they are. Anyone who dismisses the All Whites entirely clearly has not been paying attention to what this squad is capable of on the right day.

Bazeley went straight to the final 26

Darren Bazeley named his final 26-man squad directly without going through a preliminary longlist first. That is a statement of confidence. No hedging, no testing the waters with players who were never going to make it — just clarity. Bazeley knows his squad, knows his best players and knows what he needs from each of them. For a small footballing nation heading to their third ever World Cup that kind of decisiveness is exactly what the players need to see.

Tommy Smith at Braintree Town in a World Cup squad

This might be the most feel-good selection in any squad at any World Cup this summer. Tommy Smith is 36 years old and plays for Braintree Town in the National League — the sixth tier of English football. He has also served New Zealand for years and this is his reward. When the World Cup kicks off and the cameras pan to the New Zealand bench, somewhere in there will be a man who was playing National League football a few months ago. That is exactly the kind of story the World Cup was made for.

Group G — Belgium, Egypt and Iran

Belgium will be too strong for New Zealand. That is the honest assessment. But the group is not hopeless. Egypt with Mohamed Salah are dangerous but their squad beyond him has question marks. Iran are well organised and difficult to beat but not unbeatable. If Chris Wood is firing and the defensive shape holds, New Zealand can absolutely get results in both those games. The 2010 showing against Italy proved this team does not know how to roll over and accept defeat. Bazeley will have his side organised and ready to make life very difficult for everyone they face.

Lachlan Bayliss — the surprise inclusion

Born in Australia, qualifying for New Zealand through his father, Lachlan Bayliss plays in the A-League for Newcastle Jets and had only two caps before this squad announcement. His selection raised eyebrows. Bazeley clearly sees something in the 23-year-old midfielder that made him worth trusting over more experienced options. Whether that faith is rewarded on the biggest stage will be one of the interesting subplots of New Zealand's tournament.

Who is in New Zealand's World Cup 2026 squad?

Darren Bazeley named a 26-man New Zealand squad for World Cup 2026. Chris Wood captains the side. The squad includes goalkeepers Max Crocombe, Stefan Marinovic and Jacob Spoonley; defenders including Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace and Tommy Smith; midfielders including Joe Bell and Marko Stamenic; and forwards including Myer Bevan and Kosta Barbarouses.

Is Chris Wood in New Zealand's World Cup 2026 squad?

Yes. Chris Wood is the captain and the centrepiece of the entire New Zealand squad. The Nottingham Forest striker is 34 years old with 45 international goals and 88 caps — New Zealand's all-time leading scorer. He scored nine goals in qualifying.

What group are New Zealand in at World Cup 2026?

New Zealand are in Group G at World Cup 2026 alongside Belgium, Egypt and Iran. Belgium are the toughest opponent but games against Egypt and Iran offer New Zealand a realistic chance of getting results.

When did New Zealand last play at a World Cup?

New Zealand last played at a World Cup in 2010 in South Africa. They were the only unbeaten team in the tournament, drawing all three games including against Italy. They also appeared in 1982. World Cup 2026 is their third ever appearance.

Who is New Zealand's captain at World Cup 2026?

Chris Wood is New Zealand's captain. The Nottingham Forest striker is 34 years old and New Zealand's greatest ever player with 45 international goals from 88 caps.