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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?
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.
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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.
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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.
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In the attacking third of the pitch, New Zealand are blessed with one of the best forwards in the الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز – 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.
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If New Zealand are to perform well at the World Cup next year, they will need their best players to step up and deliver their best football. One of those key players is Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood whose form will be of vital importance for All Whites fans heading into the tournament. The all-time record goal scorer for New Zealand has been competing with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, and Alexander Isak in terms of goals in the Premier League.
Alongside Wood, Matthew Garbett Sarpreet Singh and Ben Waine will have important roles to play in both midfield and attack, supporting Wood’s movement in the final third.
Elijah Just who recently joined Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership, is another young talent who could pose a threat playing on the wings.
At the back, Tyler Bindon will be crucial in leading the All Whites’ defensive line.
Max Crocombe is currently the most experienced goalkeeper in the New Zealand squad and is expected to start as the first-choice keeper at the World Cup, with Alex Paulsen serving as backup.
As mentioned previously, in defence, the full-back pairing of Tyler Bindon and Liberato Cacace is expected to dominate the wider areas, while Finn Surman and Michael Boxall will take centre stage at the heart of the backline.
Moving on to the midfield, the trio of Joe Bell, Marko Stamenic, and Sarpreet Singh forms a well-balanced and strong midfield that could play a key role in New Zealand’s campaign at the tournament.
Up front, youngsters Elijah Just and Ben Waine could prove to be dangerous attacking threats from the wings, with Chris Wood operating as the main target man.
Predicted New Zealand starting XIu0026nbsp;(4-3-3): Crocombe; Cacace, Boxall, Surman, Bindon; Bell, Stamenic, Sarpreet; Eli Just, Wood, Ben Waine
