New Zealand
The New Zealand National Soccer Team, established in 1904, is the country’s premier representative in FIFA and OFC competitions. The team has won the OFC Nations Cup twice and qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 1982 and 2010, famously going undefeated in the group stage in 2010. Known for disciplined defense, teamwork, and fighting spirit, the team continues to develop emerging talent and promote football across the Pacific, embodying national pride and sporting determination.
Explore the official New Zealand National Team squad and get a clear overview of every player selected for the tournament. Discover the key details behind the stars, rising talents, and core squad members who shape the team’s World Cup 2026 campaign.
Callum William McCowatt
Midfielder
Apr 30, 1999
Dalton James Wilkins
Defender
Apr 15, 1999
Benjamin Craig Old
Midfielder
Aug 13, 2002
Konstantinos Barbarouses
Attacker
Feb 19, 1990
Alex Arthur Rufer
Midfielder
Jun 12, 1996
Sam Harry Sutton
Defender
Dec 10, 2001
Timothy John Payne
Defender
Jan 10, 1994
Oliver Steven Edward Sail
Goalkeeper
Jan 13, 1996
Storm James Roux
Defender
Jan 13, 1993
William Bruce Gillion
Attacker
Oct 17, 2002
Jesse Randall
Midfielder
Aug 19, 2002
Nando Zen Pijnaker
Defender
Feb 25, 1999
Francis de Vries
Defender
Nov 28, 1994
Bill Poni Tuiloma
Defender
Mar 27, 1995
Finn Surman
Defender
Sep 23, 2003
Michael Joseph Boxall
Defender
Aug 18, 1988
Elijah Henry Just
Attacker
May 1, 2000
Joe Zen Robert Bell
Midfielder
Apr 27, 1999
Matthew Jimmy David Garbett
Midfielder
Apr 13, 2002
Maxime Teremoana Crocombe
Goalkeeper
Aug 12, 1993
Meet the New Zealand National Team coaching staff, who play a vital role in preparing the squad for success on the international stage. Working behind the scenes, they support the team’s tactical development, physical conditioning, match preparation, and overall performance throughout World Cup 2026.
Fritz Schmid
Birthday:
Sep 10, 1959
Nationality:
Switzerland
Explore the latest New Zealand matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and stay updated on results, key moments, and standout player performances from every game.
New Zealand vs Chile
4 : 1
Mar 30, 2026 • FIFA Series
Eden Park, Auckland
New Zealand vs Finland
0 : 2
Mar 27, 2026 • FIFA Series
Eden Park, Auckland
Ecuador vs New Zealand
2 : 0
Nov 19, 2025 • Friendlies
Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison
Colombia vs New Zealand
2 : 1
Nov 16, 2025 • Friendlies
Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale
Norway vs New Zealand
1 : 1
Oct 14, 2025 • Friendlies
Ullevaal, Oslo
Poland vs New Zealand
1 : 0
Oct 9, 2025 • Friendlies
Stadion Śląski, Chorzów
New Zealand vs Australia
1 : 3
Sep 9, 2025 • Friendlies
Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Australia vs New Zealand
1 : 0
Sep 5, 2025 • Friendlies
GIO Stadium Canberra, Canberra
New Zealand vs Ukraine
1 : 2
Jun 10, 2025 • Friendlies
BMO Field, Toronto, Ontario
Ivory Coast vs New Zealand
0 : 1
Jun 7, 2025 • Friendlies
BMO Field, Toronto, Ontario
New Zealand qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by winning the OFC qualifying tournament and securing Oceania’s first-ever direct World Cup spot. The All Whites began with a 3–0 win over Tahiti, then beat Vanuatu 8–1 and Samoa 8–0 to finish top of their second-round group. In the knockout stage, they crushed Fiji 7–0 in the semi-final before defeating New Caledonia 3–0 in the final at Eden Park on March 24, 2025. That victory sealed New Zealand’s return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 and only the third time in the nation’s history.
Played
Qualification matches played
Won
Matches won
Drawn
Matches drawn
Lost
Matches lost
Goals For
Total goals scored
Goals Against
Total goals conceded
Goal Difference
GF minus GA
Points
3 per win, 1 per draw
Road to WC
Match | Date | MatchUp | Stadium | City | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Oct 11, 2024 | New Zealand vs Tahiti | VFF Freshwater Stadium | Port Vila | 3:0 |
2 | Nov 15, 2024 | New Zealand vs Vanuatu | FMG Stadium Waikato | Hamilton | 8:1 |
3 | Nov 18, 2024 | Samoa vs New Zealand | Go Media Stadium | Auckland | 0:8 |
4 | Mar 21, 2025 | New Zealand vs Fiji | Sky Stadium | Wellington | 7:0 |
5 | Mar 24, 2025 | New Caledonia vs New Zealand | Eden Park | Auckland | 0:3 |
New Zealand’s World Cup history is short but memorable, defined by rare appearances and remarkable resilience. The All Whites made their tournament debut in 1982, becoming only the second Oceania team to reach the World Cup. Although they lost all three matches, that qualification was a major milestone for football in the country.
Their most iconic World Cup chapter came in 2010, when New Zealand produced one of the tournament’s most unusual campaigns. The All Whites drew with Slovakia, Italy, and Paraguay, finishing the group stage unbeaten yet still going out early. That included a famous 1–1 draw with defending champions Italy, and New Zealand ended as the only unbeaten team at the entire 2010 World Cup. Players such as Ryan Nelsen, Winston Reid, and Shane Smeltz became central figures in that historic run. Now, after sealing qualification for 2026, New Zealand’s World Cup story has entered a new chapter built on persistence and pride.
New Zealand have appeared at the FIFA World Cup twice — 1982 and 2010 — with 2026 set to be their third participation. The All Whites qualified for 2026 by beating New Caledonia 3–0 in the OFC final.
New Zealand’s best World Cup finish is the group stage, reached in both 1982 and 2010. Their 2010 campaign remains especially memorable because they finished the tournament unbeaten.
Shane Smeltz is New Zealand’s top World Cup scorer with 1 goal. He scored the opener in the famous 1–1 draw against Italy at the 2010 World Cup.
Several New Zealand players share the record for most World Cup matches played, with 3 appearances each, because the team has only played two group-stage tournaments so far. Among them are Ryan Nelsen, Simon Elliott, Winston Reid, Shane Smeltz, and Tim Brown.
In 2010, New Zealand became the only unbeaten team at the entire World Cup, drawing with Slovakia, Italy, and Paraguay. Their draw against defending champions Italy remains one of the most iconic results in the nation’s football history.
Sarpreet Singh
A technical midfielder who adds flair and problem-solving in the final third. Singh’s close control, quick combinations, and ability to unlock compact defenses give New Zealand an extra creative edge.
Chris Wood
New Zealand’s all-time leading goalscorer and the undisputed attacking leader. Wood’s strength, positioning, and aerial dominance make him the focal point of the attack. He remains central to New Zealand’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Liberato Cacace
One of New Zealand’s most consistent modern performers in Europe. Cacace contributes both defensively and offensively down the left flank. His pace, crossing, and recovery speed are vital to the team’s tactical balance.
Joe Bell
A key figure in midfield linking defense and attack. Bell controls tempo, presses aggressively, and offers stability in possession. He represents the new generation expected to lead New Zealand into the expanded 2026 tournament.
Marko Stamenic
A physical, disciplined holding midfielder who anchors the centre of the pitch. Stamenic plays a crucial role in shielding the back line and winning second balls. His presence has strengthened New Zealand’s defensive structure in qualification matches.
Callum McCowatt
A creative attacking outlet capable of playing wide or centrally. McCowatt provides ball progression, vision, and goal threat from midfield. He plays an important supporting role behind the main striker during qualification campaigns.
Wynton Rufer
New Zealand’s ultimate global trailblazer, Rufer became a European star and set the benchmark for Kiwi players abroad. His achievements and influence made him the country’s most iconic all-time football figure and a symbol of New Zealand’s international credibility.
Steve Sumner
A historic captain and leader, Sumner fronted New Zealand’s first World Cup era and remains one of the nation’s most important tournament symbols. His legacy is tied to the All Whites’ early breakthrough on the world stage and the identity of New Zealand football.
Vaughan Coveny
A historic goalscorer and classic penalty-box finisher, Coveny set the scoring standard for New Zealand for years. His consistency and finishing made him a key attacking reference point before the record was eventually surpassed.
Ryan Nelsen
A Premier League captain and one of New Zealand’s toughest modern leaders, Nelsen embodied the All Whites’ resilience and organization. He was a defining figure of the 2010 World Cup era and remains a benchmark for elite-level leadership in New Zealand football.
Follow New Zealand at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and discover where the team will play throughout the tournament. Explore the full match schedule, host cities, and stadiums set to stage some of the competition’s biggest moments. From group-stage fixtures to possible knockout-round drama, find everything you need to experience the action live at football’s biggest event.
New Zealand has appeared at the FIFA World Cup twice before 2026 — 1982 and 2010.
New Zealand has never reached a FIFA World Cup final.
New Zealand has not advanced to the knockout rounds in their previous World Cup appearances.
New Zealand’s best finish is the group stage (in both 1982 and 2010).
Their worst result is the group stage, since they have not progressed beyond it at the World Cup.
New Zealand’s classic rivalry is with Australia (the trans-Tasman matchup), and they also have frequent regional battles with Fiji and Tahiti in Oceania competitions.
New Zealand qualified via OFC, earning Oceania’s direct World Cup place under the expanded 48-team format.
New Zealand’s group-stage venues are set for Los Angeles and Vancouver. They play Iran at Los Angeles Stadium on June 15, 2026, then face Egypt at Vancouver Stadium on June 21, 2026, and finish the group against Belgium at Vancouver Stadium on June 26, 2026.
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