The 2026 New Zealand World Cup roster is set, with manager Darren Bazeley naming his 26-man squad for the tournament across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Captain Chris Wood headlines the All Whites as they reach a third World Cup, and New Zealand begin their campaign in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and Iran. Bazeley announced the squad on May 14, 2026, skipping the preliminary list to confirm his final 26 directly.
This guide lists the full confirmed 26-man New Zealand roster by position, a look at the tactical roles, and a projected starting XI for the group opener. You can also download a free printable one-page version of the squad using the button below.
2026 New Zealand World Cup Roster
Bazeley leaned on a core of overseas based players and the Auckland FC contingent that drove qualifying. The list below is the official 26 confirmed for the tournament. The one authoritative source for this squad is the official FIFA New Zealand team page.
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| Manager | Darren Bazeley |
| Captain | Chris Wood |
| Confirmed squad | 26 players |
| Group | Group G |
| Group opponents | Belgium, Egypt, Iran |
| Announced | May 14, 2026 |
New Zealand Roster Position Breakdown & Tactical Roles
Goalkeepers
- Max Crocombe – Millwall
- Alex Paulsen – Lechia Gdańsk
- Michael Woud – Auckland FC
Defenders
- Tyler Bindon – Nottingham Forest
- Michael Boxall – Minnesota United
- Liberato Cacace – Wrexham
- Francis De Vries – Auckland FC
- Callan Elliot – Auckland FC
- Tim Payne – Wellington Phoenix
- Nando Pijnaker – Auckland FC
- Tommy Smith – Braintree Town
- Finn Surman – Portland Timbers
Midfielders
- Lachlan Bayliss – Newcastle Jets
- Joe Bell – Viking FK
- Matt Garbett – Peterborough United
- Ben Old – Saint-Étienne
- Alex Rufer – Wellington Phoenix
- Sarpreet Singh – Wellington Phoenix
- Marko Stamenić – Swansea City
- Ryan Thomas – PEC Zwolle
Forwards / Attackers
- Chris Wood (C) – Nottingham Forest
- Kosta Barbarouses – Western Sydney Wanderers
- Eli Just – Motherwell
- Callum McCowatt – Silkeborg
- Jesse Randall – Auckland FC
- Ben Waine – Port Vale
Predicted New Zealand Starting XI: Group Stage Opener
The lineup below is one likely setup in a 4-3-3 for the opening match. It is a projection based on recent team selection and current form, not an official team sheet.
Predicted Lineup Layout
- GK: Max Crocombe
- DEF: Payne, Bindon, Boxall, Cacace
- MID: Rufer, Bell, Stamenić
- FWD: Old, Wood, Barbarouses
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – New Zealand World Cup Roster
Is this the final New Zealand World Cup roster?
Yes. Darren Bazeley named the final 26-man squad on May 14, 2026, one of the first nations to confirm its World Cup roster. Captain Chris Wood leads the All Whites.
Where can I track the full tournament brackets?
You can follow every round with our free printable 2026 World Cup bracket, and build your own picks with the Custom Bracket Maker.
Who does New Zealand play in the group stage?
New Zealand play in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and Iran. You can view the full New Zealand match schedule, with dates, venues, and kickoff times, on our 2026 New Zealand World Cup schedule page.
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