Has New Zealand ever advanced past the World Cup group stage?

No — their best campaign was 2010 where they drew all three games but still couldn't advance.

Who is New Zealand's best player at 2026?

Chris Wood — their all-time top scorer and Premier League striker is their most reliable goal threat.

Is New Zealand competitive at the World Cup level?

They are hard to beat — their 2010 unbeaten group stage (three draws) showed they can frustrate much better nations.

How does New Zealand qualify for the World Cup?

As the dominant nation in OFC (Oceania), they qualify through an inter-confederation playoff.

What is New Zealand's realistic target in Group G?

A point against Egypt and making the game against France and Netherlands competitive would be considered a success.

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Group GOFC

New Zealand

FIFA Ranking #92 · 3 World Cups · Best: Group Stage

The All Whites' qualification as OFC representatives is their third World Cup appearance and a major achievement for a nation where rugby dominates. They will be hard to beat — their 2010 group stage saw them draw all three games — but France and Netherlands represent the toughest possible opposition.

🧑‍💼Coach: Darren Bazeley

⚽Formation: 4-4-2

🗓️Group stage: June 15 – June 26

Group G opponents

Group stage · ends Jul 2

🇧🇪Belgium#10 🇮🇷Iran#33 🇪🇬Egypt#36

Key Players

4 featured

Chris Wood

⭐ Star Player

Nottingham Forest

Striker

Caps

Goals

Age

New Zealand's all-time top scorer and a Premier League proven striker — physical, experienced, and their most important attacking outlet.

Liberato Cacace

Empoli

Left Back / Winger

Caps

Goals

Age

Empoli's dynamic left-back who combines solid defending with energetic attacking runs down the left flank.

Joe Bell

Charlotte FC

Midfielder

Caps

Goals

Age

MLS's technical midfielder who drives from deep and is the creative engine in New Zealand's compact midfield.

Matthew Garbett

Millwall

Midfielder

Caps

Goals

Age

Young energetic midfielder representing New Zealand's new generation — combative and progressive with the ball.

Group G Schedule

All times local to venue. Group stage results determine knockout seedings.

Matchday 1June 15, 2026

🇳🇿NZL

🇮🇷

Iran

FIFA #33

SoFi Stadium

Los Angeles, CA

Iran team guide →Match preview →

Matchday 2June 21, 2026

🇳🇿NZL

🇪🇬

Egypt

FIFA #36

BC Place

Vancouver, Canada

Egypt team guide →Match preview →

Matchday 3June 26, 2026

🇳🇿NZL

🇧🇪

Belgium

FIFA #10

BC Place

Vancouver, Canada

Belgium team guide →Match preview →

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World Cup History

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Appearances

🏆

Titles

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#92

FIFA Rank

⭐

Group Stage

Best Result

New Zealand appeared at the 1982 and 2010 World Cups. Their 2010 campaign was remarkable: they drew all three games (Italy, Slovakia, Paraguay) without losing, but still went home as the only unbeaten team not to advance. Chris Wood's goals have carried their recent campaigns forward.