This piece is part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a collaboration among top media outlets from the 48 nations that qualified. As the tournament approaches its kickoff on June 11, is featuring previews from three different countries daily.
Strategic Outlook
The All Whites of New Zealand are making their third World Cup appearance, having secured the lone qualifying spot from the Oceania region. Since their last appearance in 2010, the team has transitioned from amateur to professional status, and there is optimism that they possess the talent and experience necessary to advance to the knockout stages for the first time.
However, it remains a formidable challenge. Currently ranked 85th, New Zealand is the lowest-ranked team in the tournament and will face tough competition from Belgium (ranked ninth), Egypt (29th), and Iran (21st) in Group G. Renowned commentator Paul Ifill noted that the current squad is “miles better” than the one that participated in South Africa, where they ended with three draws. Following the announcement of the squad, coach Darren Bazeley expressed confidence: “We have a combination of exciting young talents and seasoned players to enhance our chances of winning and progressing from our group.”
Bazeley prefers a possession-based style of play, successful during their qualifying matches, though it will be more challenging against technically superior opponents. Since qualifying, New Zealand has played ten friendly matches, including a draw against Norway (without star player Erling Haaland) and seven defeats, two of which were against Australia. Their warm-up matches in March yielded mixed results: a disappointing 2-0 loss to Finland was followed by an impressive 4-1 victory over Chile, marking New Zealand’s first win against a South American team.
New Zealand: Group G Schedule
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)
Captain Chris Wood of Nottingham Forest, one of only two players remaining from the last World Cup campaign, is pivotal to the team’s success. The striker was in the running for the Premier League’s top scorer title during the 2024-25 season, but a significant knee injury late last year sidelined him for several months.
“New Zealand must learn to defend without the ball and then capitalize on opportunities when they regain possession. Much hinges on Wood’s fitness,” Ifill stated.
Mathew Nash, another commentator, remarked that the qualifying campaign, which concluded with a win over New Caledonia in March 2025, was largely straightforward for the All Whites against smaller Pacific nations. He noted, “The gap between New Zealand and other OFC countries has widened significantly, as demonstrated by the All Whites’ recent record against federation rivals: 14 wins, one draw, just four goals conceded, and 64 scored.”
The Coach’s Vision
Darren Bazeley, born in Northampton, has matured into his role and enhanced the team’s performance to a level where they could potentially reach the knockout stage. He will be making history in Los Angeles as the first coach to have led teams at the Olympic Games, at both under-17 and under-20 levels, as well as the senior World Cup. As a defender, he made over 450 appearances for Watford, Wolves, and Walsall before transitioning to coaching in the A-League and MLS. His extensive experience in New Zealand includes working with many players on the current senior roster, whom he has trusted for the World Cup.
Star Player Spotlight
Chris Wood, with an impressive 89 caps and 45 goals for the national team, serves a role similar to that of Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal and Kylian Mbappé for France: he is the captain, record scorer, and a source of inspiration. “He invests a lot into representing New Zealand, both on and off the field,” Bazeley stated. Wood began his career in England with West Bromwich Albion in 2009, undergoing six loan spells in three years before playing for Leicester, Leeds, Burnley, and Newcastle, ultimately elevating his game at Nottingham Forest.
Emerging Talent
Keep an eye on Eli Just, a 26-year-old attacking midfielder who excelled in the 2025-26 Scottish Premiership season. He was awarded player of the year for Motherwell, named the PFA’s player of the year, and selected for the PFA Scotland Premiership team of the year. The Motherwell captain, Paul McGinn, praised the agile Kiwi as “absolutely brilliant,” stating, “He’s incredibly sharp and a highly intelligent footballer who knows where to be and when to be there.” Former All White Noel Barkley also commended Just, predicting he will soon be playing for a larger club. “He’s a modest, humble Kiwi and one of the most unpretentious footballers you’ll encounter,” he shared.
Probable Starting XI
Unsung Hero
Central midfielder Joe Bell prefers to operate in the shadows. “I’m not one for the spotlight,” he said, but this doesn’t mean he shies away from his responsibilities in both offense and defense. Bell, who plays for Viking in Norway, is recognized for his dueling skills and composure on the ball. With 31 caps, he has occasionally been entrusted with the captaincy in Wood’s absence.
Anticipated Fan Experience
Given the distance and high costs, New Zealand fans may be outnumbered by rival supporters in all three group matches. Nonetheless, the fan group known as “The Flying Kiwis” will be present, with nearly 500 members attending the group games. Barkley is among them and promises they “will make their presence known.” Matt Fejos, a member since 2009, remarked, “People often think of us as a rugby nation, or even as hobbits, but that allows us to adopt an underdog mentality, fearless in our approach. We aim to leave a mark and showcase something different.”
US Relations and Historical Context
The US president began his second term by claiming his country split the atom. However, it was actually Sir Ernest Rutherford from New Zealand who achieved this milestone in 1917 at Victoria University of Manchester in England. Nick Smith, the mayor of Nelson, where Rutherford grew up, expressed his intention to invite the US ambassador to New Zealand to visit the Lord Rutherford memorial in Brightwater to clarify the historical record regarding who first split the atom. Unsurprisingly, there have also been tariff threats if New Zealand fails to agree to a deal supplying the US with minerals, with negotiations still ongoing.
