🇳🇿 New Zealand World Cup 2026 Squad
Official Player List
🖋️ Tamas | ⏱️ 5 min read | 📅 May 22, 2026 | 🏷️ Sports
The All Whites enter the historic 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup ready to prove their elite competitive spirit on the absolute highest stage. Head coach Darren Bazeley officially announced the national team's final official squad on May 14, crafting a highly motivated selection that perfectly blends seasoned international experience with the raw energy of explosive young talent.
The absolute marquee star and undisputed leader of this New Zealand squad is Nottingham Forest's lethal Premier League striker, Chris Wood. Much to the delight of the passionate fans, Wrexham's dynamic left-back Liberato Cacace has secured his spot to lead a hungry and resilient defensive unit. Top-tier stability is well guaranteed by prominent figures, such as Swansea City's commanding midfielder Marko Stamenic, alongside Lechia Gdańsk's highly-rated shot-stopper Alex Paulsen. New Zealand is firmly targeting a historic knockout breakthrough run in Group G!
📋 Official Squad List
GROUP G – NEW ZEALAND
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
June 21: Egypt vs. New Zealand
June 27: New Zealand vs. Belgium
June 30: Iran vs. New Zealand