Chris Wood set to lead the line for New Zealand squad at FIFA World Cup 2026
New Zealand manager Darren Bazeley has announced his 23-man squad for FIFA World Cup 2026.
16 years on since going unbeaten at FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa, New Zealand have benefitted the expansion of the tournament to romp to North America via OFC qualification.
The main man, of course, will be Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood, who is the All Whites’ all-time top scorer and will be the main outlet for the Oceanians.
There is a bit more pedigree than many may expect, though, with Wood to be supported in the final third by attacking midfielders Marko Stamenic and Ben Old, who have enjoyed impressive seasons with Swansea City and Saint-Etienne respectively.
36-year-old Braintree Town defender Tommy Smith, who played in South Africa, is once again in the squad but is unlikely to get too many minutes on the pitch.
Max Crocombe, of Millwall, will compete for the number one spot alongside Alex Paulsen, who has spent this season out on loan at Lechia Gdansk from AFC Bournemouth.
There is a bit of EFL pedigree in their defence, too, aside from the experienced Smith with Wrexham wing-back Liberato Cacace and Sheffield United centre-back, on loan from Forest, Tyler Bindon both set to form key parts of their side.
