🇳🇿

New Zealand

World Cup 2026 · Group G · OFC · FIFA Rank #86

UnderdogCoach: Darren BazeleyBest result: Group stage (2010, unbeaten with three draws)Appearance #3

⚙️ Tactical Profile

Oceania's direct qualifier playing honest, old-fashioned football: 4-4-2, long balls, crosses, and everything aimed at Chris Wood's forehead. Technically outgunned at this level, they compensate with size, organization and bloody-mindedness.

🔮 Expectations

The 2010 team went home unbeaten and that remains the legend. Nobody expects the All Whites to advance from Group G; one point would satisfy, a Wood goal or two would headline, and anything more is gravy.

⭐ Key Players

Chris WoodStriker · Nottingham Forest — A 20-goal Premier League season at 33. The All Whites' entire attacking plan, and a good one.80Liberato CacaceLeft-Back · Empoli — The squad's classiest operator, proven in Serie A.74🇳🇿Matthew GarbettMidfielder · Overseas club — The energy and legs of the new generation's midfield.71Joe BellDefensive Mid · Overseas club — The thinker at the base of the midfield — and its first tackle.72Marko StamenicMidfielder · Overseas club — The most technically polished midfielder New Zealand has produced.72

📋 Full 26-Man Squad

Max CrocombeTim PayneFrancis de VriesTyler BindonMichael BoxallJoe BellMatthew GarbettMarko StamenicChris WoodSarpreet SinghElijah JustAlex PaulsenLiberato CacaceAlex RuferNando PijnakerFinn SurmanKosta BarbarousesBen WaineBen OldCallum McCowattJesse RandallMichael WoudRyan ThomasCallan ElliotLachlan BaylissTommy Smith

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