Darren Bazeley named a 26-man New Zealand squad for the 2026 World Cup in Auckland on Thursday. Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood captains the team. He remains the squad’s most proven goalscorer despite an injury-hit season in the Premier League.
Wood joins 36-year-old defender Tommy Smith as the first New Zealanders to play at two World Cups. Smith plays for Braintree Town in the English National League. He returns to the international stage 16 years after his appearance at the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
Smith brings veteran experience from the fifth tier of English football to a defensive unit including Michael Boxall and Tyler Bindon. Bazeley selected Smith for the first time since late 2024 to provide leadership.
“It is a privilege to be in this role and name a squad for the FIFA World Cup, the pinnacle of the game and the dream of everyone who plays,” Bazeley said. “We have spent the last few years building to this moment and tracking around 55 players in contention to make it.”
Midfielder Lachlan Bayliss earned his spot after a breakout season with Newcastle Jets in the A-League Men. The 23-year-old claims eligibility through his father despite his Australian birth. He made his international debut only two months ago.
New Zealand occupies 85th place in the FIFA rankings and enters the tournament with nothing to lose. They face Belgium, Iran, and Egypt in Group G. The All Whites never progressed beyond the group stage in their previous two appearances.
“I’m confident we have landed on the best possible squad to face Iran, Egypt, Belgium, and beyond,” Bazeley said. “Now the time for discussions is over, we need to head to the tournament and take the opportunity in front of us to make history for New Zealand.”
Wood spoke to the Auckland audience via a pre-recorded video from England. “I can’t wait to share the moment with you all, and create some history,” he said. “I hope we can do you all proud, and show the world what we’re capable of.”
Kosta Barbarouses, Ben Waine, and Callum McCowatt support Wood in the forward line. Max Crocombe and Alex Paulsen lead the goalkeeping options.
