This article is part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a collaboration of distinguished media outlets from the 48 nations that qualified. In preparation for the tournament commencing on June 11, previews are being shared daily from three countries.
The Ambitious Strategy
The All Whites, New Zealand’s national football team, are making their third appearance at the World Cup, having secured the sole qualifying spot from Oceania. Since their last participation in 2010, they have transitioned from amateurs to professionals, fostering optimism that they possess the necessary skills and experience to advance past the group stage for the first time.
However, this task is daunting. Ranked 85th, New Zealand is the lowest-seeded qualifier in the tournament, facing tough competition in Group G from Belgium (ranked 9th), Egypt (29th), and Iran (21st). Paul Ifill, a prominent commentator, asserts that the current squad is significantly stronger than the one that competed in South Africa, where they ended up with three draws and no losses. Following the announcement of the squad, head coach Darren Bazeley expressed confidence in the team’s potential: “We have a mix of exciting young talent and seasoned players, which maximizes our chances of winning and progressing from our group.”
Bazeley advocates for a possession-based style of play, which proved effective during qualifiers, yet poses greater challenges against more skilled adversaries. Since securing their place in the tournament, New Zealand has played ten friendlies, tallying a draw against Norway (who were without Erling Haaland) and suffering seven defeats, including two against Australia. Their March warm-up matches were a mixed bag, with a disappointing 2-0 loss to Finland followed by an impressive 4-1 victory against Chile—marking New Zealand’s first-ever win against a South American team.
New Zealand’s Upcoming Matches in Group G
15 June vs. Iran, Los Angeles (6 PM local, 16 June 2 AM BST, 16 June 11 AM AEST)
21 June vs. Egypt, Vancouver (6 PM local, 16 June 2 AM BST, 16 June 11 AM AEST)
26 June vs. Belgium, Vancouver (8 PM local, 27 June 4 AM BST, 27 June 1 PM AEST)
Chris Wood, the captain and one of two remaining players from the last World Cup, holds a key role, and his physical condition is crucial to the team’s success. The striker was a leading contender for the Premier League’s top scorer in the 2024-25 season but faced a setback due to a severe knee injury that sidelined him for several months.
Ifill emphasizes the need for New Zealand to defend effectively when they do not have possession and to capitalize on counterattacks. He noted, “A lot hinges on Wood’s fitness.” The qualification campaign, concluded with a win over New Caledonia in March 2025, was described by commentator Mathew Nash as “a piece of cake for the All Whites” against smaller Pacific teams. He highlighted the growing disparity between New Zealand and other OFC nations, as demonstrated by their last 15 matches against federation rivals: 14 wins, 1 draw, 4 goals conceded, and 64 goals scored.
Meet the Coach
Darren Bazeley, originally from Northampton, has embraced his coaching role, leading the team to improved performances that could enable them to reach the knockout stages. In Los Angeles, he will make history as the first coach to have led teams at the Olympic Games, under-17, under-20, and senior World Cup levels. A former defender with over 450 appearances for clubs like Watford, Wolves, and Walsall, Bazeley has also coached in the A-League and MLS. His extensive experience in New Zealand, particularly with youth teams, has allowed him to build a strong rapport with the current senior squad.
Key Player to Watch
With 89 caps and 45 goals, Chris Wood is integral to the national team, serving a role similar to that of Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal and Kylian Mbappé for France: captain, leading scorer, and a source of inspiration. “He invests so much effort into representing New Zealand and is dedicated off the pitch as well,” says Bazeley. Wood began his English career with West Bromwich Albion in 2009, experiencing six loan spells before playing for Leicester, Leeds, Burnley, and Newcastle, ultimately elevating his game at Nottingham Forest.
A Rising Star
At just 26, attacking midfielder Eli Just excelled during the 2025-26 Scottish Premiership season, earning accolades as the player of the year for Motherwell and the PFA’s player of the year, along with a spot on the PFA Scotland Premiership team of the year. Motherwell captain Paul McGinn regards the nimble Kiwi as “absolutely brilliant,” stating, “He’s incredibly sharp and a clever footballer, with a keen sense of positioning.” Former All White Noel Barkley also praises Just, predicting that he is bound for a larger club soon. “He’s a modest, humble Kiwi and the most unpretentious player you’ll encounter,” Barkley remarked.
Projected Starting Lineup
Unsung Hero
Central midfielder Joe Bell prefers to work behind the scenes. “I’m not one for the limelight,” he admits; however, he willingly shoulders responsibilities in both offensive and defensive roles. Currently playing for Viking in Norway, Bell is recognized for his strong dueling skills and poise on the ball. He has earned 31 caps and has occasionally captained the team in Wood’s absence.
Fan Expectations
Given the distance to the U.S. and the steep costs, New Zealand fans are likely to be outnumbered by rival supporters during the group matches. Nonetheless, the supporter group known as “The Flying Kiwis” will be present, with nearly 500 members attending. Barkley, a member of the group, assures that they “will make some noise.” Matt Fejos, a Flying Kiwis member since 2009, shared with 1news.co.nz, “People often think of us as a rugby nation, or as hobbits, but that allows us to adopt an underdog mentality—fearless. We want to make our presence known and offer a different perspective.”
Historical Context with the U.S.
At the beginning of his second term, the U.S. president mistakenly claimed that his nation had split the atom. In reality, it was New Zealander Sir Ernest Rutherford who achieved this milestone 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 visit the Lord Rutherford memorial in Brightwater to ensure accurate historical records regarding the discovery. Additionally, there have been tariff threats directed towards New Zealand should they fail to secure a deal to supply minerals to the U.S. Ongoing negotiations are in progress.
