Chris Wood, the striker for Nottingham Forest, has been appointed to lead New Zealand’s 26-player squad for the upcoming World Cup, despite a season marred by injuries in the Premier League.
Alongside him, 36-year-old Tommy Smith, a defender for Braintree Town, marks his return to the All Whites squad for the first time since late 2024. Together, they will become the first New Zealand men to participate in two soccer World Cups, having been part of the 2010 squad in South Africa.
As captain, Wood takes over from previous leaders Steve Sumner, who led the team in Spain in 1982, and Ryan Nelsen, who captained during the 2010 event.
– Predicted Starting XIs for 2026 World Cup Teams
– 2026 World Cup Power Rankings: Who’s No. 1?
– Meet the World Cup Debutants: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, Uzbekistan
The New Zealand squad was unveiled on Thursday by head coach Darren Bazeley in Auckland. Bazeley mentioned the tough decision-making process involved in narrowing down the squad from over 40 players who participated in 10 matches in the past 15 months.
“It’s an honor to announce a squad for the FIFA World Cup, the pinnacle of our sport and a dream for every player,” Bazeley stated. “Over the last few years, we have been building towards this moment, tracking around 55 players who were in contention.”
He emphasized that the coaching team has selected a squad that they believe best positions the All Whites to advance beyond the group stage. Currently ranked 85th in the FIFA World Rankings, New Zealand is drawn into Group G alongside No. 9 Belgium, No. 20 Iran, and No. 29 Egypt.
“This is always a challenging process, and we understand the responsibility that comes with it,” he remarked. “However, I am confident we have chosen the best squad to compete against Iran, Egypt, Belgium, and hopefully more.”
“Now is the time for action; we need to approach the tournament determined to seize the opportunity and make history for New Zealand.”
New Zealand has yet to progress past the group stage in its previous World Cup appearances.
In a pre-recorded video message from England, Wood expressed his excitement during the team announcement: “I am looking forward to sharing this moment with all of you and creating some history. I hope we can make you proud and demonstrate what we are capable of.”
On the youth side, 23-year-old midfielder Lachlan Bayliss earned a place in the squad just two months after debuting for New Zealand. Bayliss had a standout season with the Newcastle Jets in the A-League Men. Although born in Australia, he qualifies for the All Whites through his father.
Michael Woud, the goalkeeper for Auckland FC, secured a close victory in the race for third-choice goalkeeper over Alex Paulsen and Max Crocombe.
Wood will be bolstered by support from Kosta Barbarouses from Australia, Ben Waine of Port Vale, and Callum McCowatt from Silkeborg IF.
Smith will provide defensive support alongside Michael Boxall, Tyler Bindon, Nando Pijnaker, and Finn Surman.
New Zealand’s 26-man Squad for the 2026 World Cup
Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe (Millwall), Alex Paulsen (Lechia Gdańsk), Michael Woud (Auckland FC)
Defenders: Tim Payne (Wellington Phoenix), Francis De Vries (Auckland FC), Tyler Bindon (Nottingham Forest), Michael Boxall (Minnesota United), Liberato Cacace (Wrexham), Nando Pijnaker (Auckland FC), Finn Surman (Portland Timbers), Callan Elliot (Auckland FC), Tommy Smith (Braintree Town)
Midfielders: Joe Bell (Viking FK), Matt Garbett (Peterborough United), Marko Stamenic (Swansea City), Sarpreet Singh (Wellington Phoenix), Alex Rufer (Wellington Phoenix), Ryan Thomas (PEC Zwolle)
Forwards: Chris Wood (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)
Manager: Darren Bazeley