New Zealand squad World Cup 2026: Which players will make it to the showpiece in USA, Mexico and Canada?
11 December, 2025n8rngtd.top0 Comments1 category
All you need to know about New Zealand's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
New Zealand have confirmed their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing qualification to the biggest stage after a 16-year absence.
The All Whites last played in the 2010 World Cup, where they surprised everyone by drawing all three of their games, including a match against then defending champions Italy. However, they failed to progress to the knockout rounds. Before that, New Zealand had featured in the World Cup only once, back in 1982.
They are yet to win a game at the showpiece event and will be determined to secure their first victory next year. Although they are not among the strongest sides or favorites to win the tournament, they do have quality players who could help them reach the latter stages.
Can the All Whites defy expectations and leave their mark on the tournament next year?
Between the sticks, New Zealand have a number of options to choose from. Currently, the front-runners to make the showpiece competition next year as the All Whites' first-choice keepers are Bournemouth's young Alex Paulsen and the experienced Max Crocombe, who recently signed for Millwall from Burton Albion.
Oliver Sail of Perth Glory is also a solid option and has previous experience with the national team.
Player
Club
Alex Paulsen
Bournemouth
Kees Sims
GAIS
Max Crocombe
Milwall
Oliver Sail
Perth Glory
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AFP
Defenders
In the backline for New Zealand, they won't be short of options. However, when compared to other big teams at the tournament, their defence does appear to be a bit shaky. Nonetheless, they have quality players who could have a big impact on their run.
Sheffield United's Tyler Bindon and Empoli's Liberato Cacace form a strong full-back pairing and will play key roles in both defence and attack for the All Whites, while Michael Boxall, Sam Sutton, Finn Surman, Francis de Vries, and Dalton Watkins are all solid options to be deployed in the centre-back positions.
Player
Club
Tyler Bindon
Reading
Michael Boxall
Minnesota
Liberato Cacace
Empoli
Tim Payne
Wellington
Nando Pijnaker
Auckland City
Storm Roux
Central Coast Mariners
Tommy Smith
Auckland City
Francis de Vries
Auckland City
Finn Surman
Portland
Sam Sutton
Perth Glory
Isaac Hughes
Wellington
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Midfielders
Compared to the defence, New Zealand's midfield offers more solidity. Players like Marko Stamenic and Joe Bell have been key figures in the All Whites midfield and are expected to continue playing important roles at the World Cup next year.
Meanwhile, Sarpreet Singh could also be a crucial presence in the attacking midfield role, with the likes of Matthew Garbett, Matt Sheridan, and Benjamin Old available to further reinforce the midfield unit.
Player
Club
Joe Bell
Viking
Marko Stamenic
Olympiakos
Alex Ruffer
Wellington
Callum McCowatt
Silkeborg
Sarpreet Singh
TSC
Matt Sheridan
Wellington
Benjamin Old
St. Etienne
Matthew Garbett
NAC Breda
Getty
Attackers
In the attacking third of the pitch, New Zealand are blessed with one of the best forwards in the Premier League – Chris Wood of Nottingham Forest. Forest's run in the 2024–25 season of the Premier League is impressive on its own, but it would not have been possible without the heroics of Chris Wood. The all-time record goal scorer for New Zealand finished the season as the fifth top scorer across the league with 20 goals in 36 games.
Young Jesse Randall and Logan Rogerson have also been performing well for Auckland City and could make the cut as important members of the New Zealand squad on the world stage next year.
Another youngster, Ben Waine, could also play an important role in the attacking third, having recently moved to Port Vale from Mansfield Town.