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
New Zealand arrives at the 2026 World Cup ranked #86 in the FIFA World Ranking with a tournament strength rating of 55/100. OFC (Oceania) sends 1 team for the first time in the tournament expansion. New Zealand is the qualifier.
The 48-team format puts New Zealand in Group G with Belgium, Egypt, Iran. On FIFA ranking alone, the group averages #38, with New Zealand the lowest-ranked side. Top 2 advance automatically; the best 3rd-placed teams (8 of 12) also qualify for the Round of 32.
New Zealand squad for World Cup 2026
Announced May 19, 2026 · 26 players · Head coach: Darren Bazeley
The All Whites' third World Cup, first since 2010. Captain Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest), still scoring goals at the top of the Premier League, leads the line. The squad spans Europe, the A-League, and MLS.
Goalkeepers3
- Max Crocombe(Millwall)
- Alex Paulsen(Lechia Gdańsk)
- Michael Woud(Auckland)
Defenders9
- Tim Payne(Wellington Phoenix)
- Francis de Vries(Auckland)
- Tyler Bindon(Nottingham Forest)
- Michael Boxall(Minnesota United)
- Liberato Cacace(Wrexham)
- Nando Pijnaker(Auckland FC)
- Finn Surman(Portland Timbers)
- Callan Elliot(Auckland)
- Tommy Smith(Braintree Town)
Midfielders6
- Joe Bell(Viking FK)
- Matt Garbett(Peterborough United)
- Marko Stamenic(Swansea City)
- Sarpreet Singh(Wellington Phoenix)
- Alex Rufer(Wellington Phoenix)
- Ryan Thomas(PEC Zwolle)
Forwards8
- Chris WoodCaptain(Nottingham Forest)
- Eli Just(Motherwell)
- Kosta Barbarouses(Western Sydney Wanderers)
- Ben Waine(Port Vale)
- Ben Old(Saint-Étienne)
- Callum McCowatt(Silkeborg IF)
- Jesse Randall(Auckland FC)
- Lachlan Bayliss(Newcastle Jets)
Sources: Sky Sports. Squads may change due to injury or disciplinary action before the tournament.
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 IRN. 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.