New Zealand's All Whites are set to compete at the WC 2026 in North America. Drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and IR Iran, the New Zealand national team will look to make their mark at the expanded 48-team tournament. New Zealand qualified through the OFC qualifying and now return to football's biggest stage. The tournament kicks off on 11 June and runs through 19 July across stadiums in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Napoleon Sports offers comprehensive coverage of all WC 2026 matches with pre-match and live betting markets.
The WC 2026 will be the largest ever, with 48 nations competing across 12 groups. Among the tournament favourites are Brazil, Argentina, Spain, France and several other world-class teams. For New Zealand, the goal is to navigate Group G and earn a place in the Round of 32. Follow all fixtures at WC 2026 schedule page.
On this page
The Road to WC 2026: How New Zealand Qualified
New Zealand qualified for the WC 2026 through OFC qualifying , finishing in 1st . New Zealand won all five matches in OFC qualifying for the WC 2026 with a staggering goal difference of +28.
"Qualifying for the tournament was our primary objective. Now we must prepare to compete against the best teams in the world on the biggest stage."
- Darren Shaun Bazeley
Coach Darren Shaun Bazeley guided the team through qualifying, with the New Zealand Football overseeing New Zealand's successful campaign to reach football's biggest stage.
This marks New Zealand's 3th appearance at the tournament. Their the tournament history includes memorable moments that have shaped the nation's footballing identity. For the latest news and squad updates, BBC Sport New Zealand provides comprehensive coverage of All Whites throughout the tournament.
Bet on New Zealand at the WC 2026
New Zealand's Outright Odds to Win WC 2026
New Zealand enter the tournament ranked 85th in the world. Group G presents a mixed challenge with Belgium, Egypt, IR Iran as opponents. Napoleon Sports offers markets on New Zealand to qualify from the group, exact group finish, and outright tournament odds.
Outright winner market
New Zealand to Win WC 2026
Check latest odds →Odds subject to change. 21+. T&Cs apply.
Best Betting Markets and Predictions for New Zealand
Beyond the outright winner market, there are several interesting betting options for New Zealand. The to qualify from group market is competitive given that two teams plus the best third-placed sides advance from each group. Player-specific markets such as anytime goalscorer bets offer value, particularly on the squad's key attacking players. Use the BetBuilder to combine selections for New Zealand's group matches.
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How Far Can New Zealand Go? Realistic Expectations
Winning the WC 2026 is highly unlikely for New Zealand, as they are considered significant underdogs with very long odds. Their primary goal will be to. Napoleon Sports offers markets on New Zealand to reach specific tournament rounds. The expanded format with a Round of 32 means that finishing in the top two of Group G, or as one of the eight best third-placed teams, is enough to advance.
Follow New Zealand at WC 2026 on the Napoleon Sports App
Stay on top of every New Zealand match, live odds shift and squad update directly from your phone. The Napoleon Sports app gives you real-time access to all the tournament action.
How to Follow the WC 2026 on the Napoleon Sports App
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New Zealand's Squad for WC 2026
New Zealand's final 26-man squad was announced by coach Darren Bazeley ahead of the tournament. Below is the full squad plus selected profiles on key players.
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Goalkeepers
Crocombe
32 - Millwall FC
Vastly experienced shot-stopper, the senior figure between the sticks. Currently at Millwall FC, age 32.
Woud
27 - Auckland FC
Reliable goalkeeper in his prime, expected to start every WC 2026 match. Currently at Auckland FC, age 27.
Paulsen
23 - Lechia Gdańsk
Young keeper earning a chance on the biggest stage, future of the position. Currently at Lechia Gdańsk, age 23.
Defenders
Boxall
37 - Minnesota United FC
Defensive leader who has seen it all at international level, expected to organise the back line. Currently at Minnesota United FC, age 37.
Pijnaker
27 - Auckland FC
Solid defender in his peak years, a regular starter for club and country. Currently at Auckland FC, age 27.
Bindon
21 - Sheeld United FC
Emerging defender pushing into the senior set-up, athletic and reading the game well. Currently at Sheeld United FC, age 21.
Midfielders
Thomas
31 - PEC Zwolle
Senior midfielder bringing tempo and game-management to the squad. Currently at PEC Zwolle, age 31.
Just
26 - Motherwell FC
Box-to-box player in prime years, key to linking defence and attack. Currently at Motherwell FC, age 26.
Bayliss
23 - Newcastle United Jets FC
Talented midfielder still rising, with the technical quality to influence games. Currently at Newcastle United Jets FC, age 23.
Forwards
Barbarouses
36 - WS Wanderers FC
Experienced forward whose finishing instinct remains the squad's main goal threat. Currently at WS Wanderers FC, age 36.
Waine
25 - Port Vale FC
Sharp forward in his best years, with the pace and movement to trouble any defence. Currently at Port Vale FC, age 25.
Randall
23 - Auckland FC
Rising star up front, blending speed with the confidence to take on the world's best. Currently at Auckland FC, age 23.
Last 5 Matches: New Zealand's Recent Form
| Date | Match | Result | Type | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 29, 2026 | New Zealand vs. Chile | 4-1 W | Friendly | Friendlies |
| Mar 26, 2026 | New Zealand vs. Finland | 0-2 L | Friendly | Friendlies |
| Nov 18, 2025 | New Zealand vs. Ecuador | 0-2 L | Friendly | Friendlies |
| Nov 15, 2025 | New Zealand vs. Colombia | 1-2 L | Friendly | Friendlies |
| Oct 14, 2025 | New Zealand vs. Norway | 1-1 D | Friendly | Friendlies |
New Zealand's recent form shows 1 win, 1 draw and 3 losses from the last 5 matches heading into the tournament. Coach Darren Shaun Bazeley has used these fixtures to fine-tune his squad selection and tactical approach ahead of the tournament.
New Zealand in Group G: Schedule, Opponents and Stadiums
New Zealand have been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, IR Iran. The group stage presents both challenges and opportunities for All Whites as they aim to secure one of the qualification spots for the Round of 32.
| Match | Date | Stadium | CEST | EEST | BRT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand vs. IR Iran | Mon 15 Jun | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood | 03:00+1 | 04:00+1 | 22:00 |
| New Zealand vs. Egypt | Sun 21 Jun | BC Place, Vancouver | 03:00+1 | 04:00+1 | 22:00 |
| New Zealand vs. Belgium | Fri 26 Jun | BC Place, Vancouver | 05:00+1 | 06:00+1 | 00:00+1 |
Head-to-Head: New Zealand vs. Group G Opponents
New Zealand vs. Belgium: This Group G encounter will be a key fixture for both teams as they aim to secure progress to the Round of 32. The result could prove decisive in determining the final group standings and which teams advance to the knockout rounds of the tournament.
New Zealand vs. Egypt: This Group G encounter will be a key fixture for both teams as they aim to secure progress to the Round of 32. The result could prove decisive in determining the final group standings and which teams advance to the knockout rounds of the tournament.
New Zealand vs. IR Iran: This Group G encounter will be a key fixture for both teams as they aim to secure progress to the Round of 32. The result could prove decisive in determining the final group standings and which teams advance to the knockout rounds of the tournament.
New Zealand's Head Coach for WC 2026
Darren Shaun Bazeley (English, born 1972) leads New Zealand into the WC 2026. Coached New Zealand U17, U20, and U23 teams. assistant coach for New Zealand national team. won OFC U17 Championship (2013). won OFC U20 Championship (2016). won OFC U19 Championship (2022).
New Zealand's Official Kits for WC 2026
New Zealand's WC History and Records
New Zealand have appeared at 3 World Cups in total, with their first appearance at the tournament coming in 1982. Their best finish was Group stage (1982, 2010).
3
WC appearances
GS
Best finish
1982
First appearance
0
Titles
New Zealand at the 2022 World Cup
New Zealand did not qualify for the 2022 World Cup, losing a play-off to Costa Rica 1-0.
Memorable WC Moments for New Zealand
Historic moment: In the 2010 the tournament, New Zealand was the only unbeaten team, drawing all three group stage games.
Iconic achievement: Qualifying for the 1982 World Cup after an epic 15-game schedule, including a dramatic 2-1 victory over China in a sudden-death play-off.
All-time top scorer: Chris Wood, 45 goals.. Most capped player: Ivan Vicelich and Chris Wood, 88 caps.. Top WC scorer: Shane Smeltz, 1 goal.. For the latest squad values and statistics, check the detailed breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions about New Zealand at the tournament
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