New Zealand World Cup 2026 Team Guide
Follow the New Zealand World Cup 2026 Team with this team guide covering the projected squad, coaching staff, group stage schedule, key players, and useful links. This page is designed to help fans quickly find New Zealand match information and learn more about the team heading into the tournament.
New Zealand will play in Group G and opens group play against Iran before facing Egypt and Belgium.
🇳🇿 New Zealand Team Overview
New Zealand returns to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 and will look to make the most of the expanded tournament format. The All Whites bring a determined squad built around experienced leaders and emerging talent.
- Confederation: OFC
- Group: Group G
- Head coach: Darren Bazeley
- Nickname: All Whites
📅 New Zealand Match Schedule World Cup 2026
| Date | Match | Time | City | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 15, 2026 | Iran vs New Zealand | 6:00 PM | Miami | Hard Rock Stadium |
| June 21, 2026 | Egypt vs New Zealand | 3:00 PM | Los Angeles | SoFi Stadium |
| June 26, 2026 | New Zealand vs Belgium | 11:00 PM | Vancouver | BC Place |
Time zone note: All match times listed below are shown in Eastern Time (ET).
Convert match times here: Match Time Converter
👥 New Zealand Projected Squad
This projected New Zealand squad is based on the recent national-team player pool and current senior core. The final World Cup roster may change before the tournament begins.
🧤 Goalkeepers
- Max Crocombe
- Alex Paulsen
- Oliver Sail
🛡️ Defenders
- Liberato Cacace
- Tommy Smith
- Tyler Bindon
- Michael Boxall
- Tim Payne
- Callan Elliot
- Finn Surman
⚙️ Midfielders
- Joe Bell
- Sarpreet Singh
- Marko Stamenic
- Matt Garbett
- Ben Old
- Clayton Lewis
🎯 Forwards
- Chris Wood
- Elijah Just
- Kosta Barbarouses
- Ben Waine
- Alex Greive
- Matthew Garbett
🧑🏫 New Zealand Coaching Staff
- Head Coach: Darren Bazeley
- Assistant Staff: Official tournament staff can be updated here as New Zealand confirms the final World Cup setup.
🔥 Key New Zealand Players To Watch
- Chris Wood – the captain and biggest attacking threat for the All Whites.
- Liberato Cacace – an important defender with experience at a high level.
- Marko Stamenic – a midfielder who helps bring control and composure.
- Joe Bell – an important player in central areas.
- Alex Paulsen – a highly rated goalkeeper option for the future and present.
- Sarpreet Singh – a creative midfielder who can help generate chances.
📈 Predicted Starting XI
This is a projected lineup only and may change based on fitness, form, and tactics.
- Formation: 4-3-3
- GK: Alex Paulsen
- DEF: Tim Payne, Tommy Smith, Tyler Bindon, Liberato Cacace
- MID: Joe Bell, Marko Stamenic, Sarpreet Singh
- FWD: Elijah Just, Chris Wood, Ben Old
🏆 New Zealand World Cup History
New Zealand’s most famous World Cup run came in 2010, when the team finished unbeaten in the group stage. The All Whites return in 2026 hoping to build on that proud moment in national-team history.
📊 New Zealand Group Information
New Zealand is in Group G alongside:
- New Zealand
- Iran
- Egypt
- Belgium
🔗 More New Zealand World Cup Links
- Full World Cup 2026 Schedule (Eastern Time)
- Printable World Cup Schedule PDF
- World Cup 2026 Groups Hub
- World Cup 2026 Teams Hub
🌐 Official Team Website
For official announcements, confirmed squad news, and federation updates, visit the official New Zealand federation website:
Note: Projected squads and starting lineups can change before the start of World Cup 2026.