All Whites coach Darren Bazeley has mixed seasoned internationals with emerging talent in naming his 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup in North America, with experienced campaigners Tommy Smith and Kosta Barbarouses earning selection alongside captain Chris Wood.
New Zealand will face Iran, Egypt and Belgium in the group stage as they prepare for their first World Cup appearance since 2010. Smith and Wood are the only survivors from the squad that travelled to South Africa 16 years ago, while Barbarouses had previously been a reserve.
Bazeley said narrowing down a pool of 55 contenders was one of the toughest selection tasks he has faced, with several familiar names missing out.
Newer faces including Auckland FC trio Jesse Randall, Michael Woud and Callan Elliott were rewarded, while Newcastle Jets midfielder Lachlan Bayliss secured a spot despite having only two international caps.
Introducing the squad to represent Aotearoa New Zealand at the FIFA World Cup 2026 🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/CiHjKx56Bw
— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) May 13, 2026
