OFC · Group G
New Zealand at FIFA World Cup 2026
New Zealand qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the first 48-team edition, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Group G opponents
New Zealand plays the following three teams in the group stage. Top 2 advance to the Round of 32; the 3rd-placed team can still advance via the best-3rd-placed playoff route (8 of 12 third-placed teams qualify).
New Zealand fixtures
New Zealand in the tournament
OFC (Oceania) sends 1 team for the first time in the tournament expansion. New Zealand is the qualifier.
The 2026 World Cup is the largest in tournament history, with 48 teams divided into 12 groups of 4. The top 2 from each group advance automatically, along with the 8 best 3rd-placed teams from across all groups. That puts New Zealand in Group G with Belgium, Egypt, Iran, competing for one of the 32 knockout slots.
Frequently asked questions about New Zealand
When does New Zealand play at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
New Zealand plays 3 scheduled group-stage matches starting June 16, 2026. The opener is against BEL. See the full fixtures list below for every kickoff time and venue.
What group is New Zealand in at the World Cup 2026?
New Zealand is in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, Iran. The top two from each group advance to the Round of 32, plus the 8 best 3rd-placed teams across all 12 groups.
What is New Zealand's FIFA ranking?
New Zealand entered the FIFA World Cup 2026 ranked #86 in the FIFA World Ranking. This places them in the wider qualifier pool. Rankings update through the qualification cycle.
Can New Zealand win the World Cup 2026?
New Zealand's pre-tournament strength rating is 55/100, derived from FIFA ranking, recent form, and squad depth. They are tournament debutants or lower-ranked qualifiers; reaching the second round would be a notable achievement. Try them in the bracket predictor to test your scenario.