This article is part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a collaboration among leading media organizations from the 48 nations that qualified. With the tournament set to commence on June 11, previews from three countries will be featured daily.
New Zealand’s Ambitious Strategy
Returning to the World Cup for only the third time, New Zealand, affectionately known as the All Whites, earned their place by securing the sole qualifying position in the Oceania region. Since their previous appearance in 2010, the team has transformed from a group of part-timers to a professional squad, fostering optimism that they can advance to the knockout stages for the first time.
However, the challenge ahead is formidable. Ranked 85th, New Zealand is the lowest-seeded team in the tournament, facing stiff competition from Belgium (9th), Egypt (29th), and Iran (21st) in Group G. Renowned commentator Paul Ifill believes that the current roster is “miles better” than the one that competed in South Africa, where they finished the group stage without a win but also without a loss, recording three draws. Following the squad announcement, coach Darren Bazeley expressed confidence in his team’s readiness: “It’s a mix of promising young talent and seasoned players, aimed at maximizing our chances of winning and advancing from our group.”
Bazeley’s tactical approach leans towards possession-based football, a strategy that has yielded results during the qualifiers but will face a tougher test against more skilled opponents. In the ten friendlies since qualifying, New Zealand has experienced a mixed bag of results, including a draw against Norway (absent star player Erling Haaland) and seven defeats, two of which came against Australia. Their warm-up matches in March were particularly inconsistent, showcasing a disappointing 2-0 loss to Finland followed by a stunning 4-1 victory over Chile—New Zealand’s first win against a South American nation.
New Zealand: Group G Match 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)
Chris Wood, the captain and one of the two remaining players from the last World Cup, will be pivotal to the team’s success, contingent on his recovery from a significant knee injury that sidelined him for several months after being a leading scorer in the Premier League during the 2024-25 season.
According to Ifill, “New Zealand must learn to defend effectively without possession and devise strategies to capitalize when they regain the ball. Much hinges on Wood’s fitness.” Mathew Nash described the qualifying campaign as “a breeze for the All Whites” against smaller Pacific teams, highlighting the considerable gap that has emerged between New Zealand and other nations in the Oceania Football Confederation. “The disparity has widened dramatically in recent years, evident from the All Whites’ last 15 matches against federation rivals: 14 victories, one draw, just four goals against, and a staggering 64 goals scored,” he noted in an interview.
The Coach’s Vision
Darren Bazeley, originally from Northampton, has stepped into his coaching role with impressive growth, significantly enhancing the team’s performance and putting them in a position to potentially reach the knockout stages. He will make history in Los Angeles as the first individual to coach at the Olympic Games, under-17, under-20, and senior World Cup levels. A former defender, Bazeley amassed over 450 appearances with Watford, Wolves, and Walsall before transitioning to coaching roles in the A-League and MLS. His extensive experience has primarily been gained in New Zealand, where he has nurtured many current senior squad members from youth levels.
Key Player to Watch
Chris Wood, with an impressive tally of 89 caps and 45 goals for New Zealand, occupies a role comparable to Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal and Kylian Mbappé for France: captain, record goal-scorer, and a constant source of inspiration. “He pours his heart into playing for New Zealand, contributing both on and off the pitch,” Bazeley remarked. After arriving in England with West Bromwich Albion in 2009, Wood had six loan stints within three years before playing for Leicester, Leeds, Burnley, and Newcastle, ultimately elevating his game at Nottingham Forest.
Rising Star
Twenty-six-year-old Eli Just has emerged as a standout in the 2025-26 Scottish Premiership season. He was honored as the player of the year for Motherwell and also received the PFA player of the year award, securing a spot in the PFA Scotland Premiership team of the year. His captain at Motherwell, Paul McGinn, described the agile Kiwi as “absolutely brilliant,” stating, “He’s incredibly sharp and possesses an astute footballing intelligence. He anticipates where to be and when to be there.” Former All White Noel Barkley is similarly impressed, predicting that Just will soon attract interest from larger clubs. “He’s a modest, unassuming Kiwi and one of the most humble footballers you’ll ever encounter,” Barkley commented.
Expected Starting Lineup
Unsung Hero
Joe Bell, a central midfielder, is content to operate in the background. “I prefer not to be the center of attention,” he stated, yet he diligently fulfills his responsibilities in both offensive and defensive roles. Currently playing for Viking in Norway, Bell is recognized for his strong dueling skills and composure on the ball. With 31 caps to his name, he has occasionally captained the team in Wood’s absence.
Fan Expectations
With the tournament being held in the US and ticket prices likely out of reach for many, New Zealand will probably face a crowd dominated by supporters of opposing teams during all three group matches. Nevertheless, the fan group known as “The Flying Kiwis” will be present, with almost 500 members attending the group games. Barkley assured that they “will make some noise.” Longtime Flying Kiwis member Matt Fejos shared, “People often think of us as a rugby nation and maybe as hobbits, which gives us an underdog mentality—fearless. We aim to leave our mark and showcase something different.”
US Relations and Historical Context
The US president recently began his second term by inaccurately claiming that his nation was the first to split the atom. In reality, that milestone was achieved by New Zealander Sir Ernest Rutherford in 1917 at Victoria University of Manchester in England. Nick Smith, the mayor of Nelson, where Rutherford was raised, extended an invitation to the US ambassador to New Zealand, suggesting a visit to the Lord Rutherford memorial in Brightwater to clarify the historical record. Additionally, there have been threats of tariffs if New Zealand does not agree to a deal to supply the US with minerals. Negotiations are still in progress.
