World Cup 2026

New Zealand

All Whites Return: New Zealand's 16-Year Wait Ends on the Grandest Stage

Out at the group stageFIFA #89Group G — Belgium · Egypt · Iran

FutAve take

The Story

Ending a 16-year World Cup absence, New Zealand arrive in Group G as every neutral's favourite underdog. Drawn against Iran, Egypt, and Belgium, the All Whites have already shown their teeth — holding Iran to a 2–2 draw before a narrow defeat to Egypt. Everything hinges on Belgium.

How they qualified

New Zealand were imperious through OFC qualifying — undefeated across 27 matches, bulldozing opponents with an astonishing 19 goals and just 1 conceded in Group B. An 8–1 demolition of Vanuatu and a 7–0 rout of Fiji signalled a team in ruthless form. The campaign culminated in a 3–0 final win over New Caledonia at Eden Park on 24 March 2025, sending the country into raptures and ending the long wait for a return to the global stage.

Why watch

This is the ultimate underdog story — a small footballing nation back on the world stage after 16 years, ranked 89th yet capable of rattling giants. Their physical, set-piece-driven style creates chaos, Chris Wood is a genuine Premier League-quality striker, and with a dead-rubber against Belgium still to play, the drama is very much alive.

Squad spotlight

Players to Know

The Star

Chris Wood

Nottingham Forest

Chris Wood is New Zealand's captain, talisman, and the undisputed focal point of the All Whites' attack at Nottingham Forest.

Why they matter

Wood is the engine of everything New Zealand do going forward. His leading role in qualifying underlines his importance, and his Nottingham Forest pedigree gives the All Whites a striker capable of punishing any defence on the planet on the right day.

Watch for

Watch how Wood holds up play, wins aerial duels, and drags world-class centre-backs out of position — his link play and movement in the box are what make New Zealand dangerous against far higher-ranked opposition.

The Veteran

Tommy Smith

Braintree Town

Tommy Smith is one of only two All Whites with prior World Cup experience, a rock-solid centre-back with a career spanning decades of New Zealand football.

Why they matter

In a squad navigating a first World Cup in 16 years, Smith's experience of 2010 is priceless. His composure and leadership at the back help anchor a defensive unit asked to contain the likes of Salah and De Bruyne.

Watch for

Watch Smith's reading of the game and his vocal organisation of those around him — against elite forwards, his ability to stay disciplined and marshal the backline could be the difference between a historic result and a heavy defeat.

The Breakout Candidate

Liberato Cacace

Wrexham

Liberato Cacace is a marauding left back at Wrexham whose attacking instincts give New Zealand a genuine threat down the flank.

Why they matter

In a group containing Egypt's Salah and Belgium's De Bruyne, New Zealand need players who can do more than defend — Cacace's ability to bomb forward and deliver from wide gives the All Whites an outlet and stretches even the most organised defences.

Watch for

Track Cacace's overlapping runs and crossing delivery — when New Zealand counter, his willingness to gamble forward creates width and overloads that can unlock compact, high-quality opposition backlines.

The FutAve Watch

Sarpreet Singh

Bačka Topola

Sarpreet Singh is an attacking midfielder and one of New Zealand's most technically gifted players, operating as the creative link between midfield and Wood.

Why they matter

Singh's ability to find space in tight areas and play incisive passes makes him the player most likely to unlock a stubborn Belgium defence in the decisive Group G finale. He is the All Whites' most unpredictable attacking weapon.

Watch for

Watch Singh in the half-spaces — his movement off the ball and instinct to thread passes into dangerous areas is the kind of quality that can generate a World Cup moment worth remembering, regardless of the scoreline.

FutAve layer