After 16 years in the wilderness, New Zealand returned to the World Cup their first appearance since 2010. Darren Bazeley was the man tasked with guiding them back.
| Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
| 2 |
|
3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| 3 |
|
3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 4 |
|
3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 10 | -6 | 1 |
New Zealand return to a World Cup for the first time since 2010. The All Whites qualified as OFC winners under coach Darren Bazeley. Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest), Winston Reid, and Callum McCowatt lead a squad that has gradually professionalized through the A-League era.
New Zealand endured a difficult group stage, unable to advance despite moments of resistance. Their campaign featured a 2-2 draw with IR Iran, a 1-3 defeat against Egypt, and a heavy 1-5 defeat to Belgium. Belgium proved to be a step too far, and New Zealand's campaign came to a decisive end in the first round.
1drawn2lost
4scored10conceded
Winless throughout conceded 10 goals in 3 matches.
Chris Wood, 34, is Nottingham Forest's captain after a stunning 2024-25 Premier League season that saw him win October's Player of the Month. His goalscoring form makes him New Zealand's most threatening attacking weapon since Winston Reid's header era.
4yellow
1.3per match
Eli Just led New Zealand's attack with 2 goals at the 2026 World Cup.
Bazeley, 52, is an English former Wolves and Watford defender who took over the All Whites in 2022. His coaching emphasis on structural discipline has been central to New Zealand's OFC qualification. Winless under Bazeley leading New Zealand at his first World Cup.
