🇳🇿 New Zealand at the 2026 World Cup
Oceania's lone voice, undefeated through OFC qualifying.
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Oceania's Lone Voice
New Zealand represent Oceania on the world stage, qualifying via the OFC as the dominant Pacific football nation. Every World Cup appearance is a statement for a country where rugby traditionally rules, and the growing quality of the national team is changing that conversation.
At the 2026 World Cup, New Zealand are placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, Iran. The top 2 teams from every group advance to the Round of 32, and the 8 best third-placed teams also go through. Every match matters from minute one.
With 3 World Cup appearances in their history and a best finish of Group stage, New Zealand bring experience to a tournament that is larger and more competitive than ever before.
Group G Draw
All 4 teams in New Zealand's group. Top 2 advance automatically, plus the 8 best third-placed teams across all 12 groups.
How the 2026 Group Stage Works
New Zealand's 2026 Squad
Projected, official call-up to be confirmed
Likely first eleven
in a 4-3-3.
Editorial first XI based on qualifying form, club minutes, and Darren Bazeley's recent selection. The official sheet is named one hour before kickoff.
- 1Max Crocombe
- 2Tim Payne
- 5Michael Boxall
- 19Tyler Bindon
- 3Liberato Cacace
- 6Joe Bell
- 7Marko Stamenic
- 11Sarpreet Singh
- 17Elijah Just
- 9Chris WoodCAPTAIN
- 10Kosta Barbarouses
All 23 players
Goalkeepers
3 playersDefenders
7 playersMidfielders
6 playersForwards
7 playersEditorial selection based on current first-team form. The final 26-player squad is at the head coach's discretion and is announced approximately one month before the tournament.
New Zealand in OFC
Oceania (OFC)
OFC sends New Zealand as the sole Oceania representative, carrying Pacific football to the world stage.
New Zealand competed against other OFC nations through a multi-year qualifying campaign to secure their spot at the 2026 World Cup. The expanded format of 48 teams gave more nations a path to the tournament than ever before.
Other OFC teams at 2026
No Ticket? Watch New Zealand At a Fan Zone
Every New Zealand group match is screened live on the giant screen at the FIFA Fan Fest in the host city. Free entry, no queue, just show up. Every other host city also screens every match, so wherever you are, you can join the crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
Group G Opponents
The teams New Zealand face in the group stage
