New Zealand
FIFA World Cup 2026 · Group I · vs France, Nigeria, Intercontinental Playoff 1
FIFA Rank
#93
WC Titles
—
WC Apps
2
Best Result
Group stage (1982, 2010)
Star Player
Chris Wood
About New Zealand
New Zealand, with its capital in Wellington and a population of 5 million, is known for Lord of the Rings landscapes, the All Blacks, and Māori culture. New Zealand was the last major landmass to be settled by humans, around 1250 AD, and has more sheep than people by a ratio of roughly 5 to 1.
In football, the All Whites are a 2-time World Cup participant with their best result being Group stage (1982, 2010). Their World Cup journey began in 1982, and they enter the 2026 tournament with Chris Wood as their talisman under head coach Darren Bazeley. New Zealand went unbeaten at the 2010 World Cup, drawing all three group games including a 1-1 with defending champions Italy — the only unbeaten team in the tournament.
SeatNav's Power Index rates New Zealand at 3.8 out of 10, ranking them #33 overall and classifying them as a determined underdog. In Group I, they face France, Nigeria in what has been categorized as a highly competitive group (difficulty 7/10).
The current All Whites squad features 40 players, with the final 26-man World Cup roster to be announced in May 2026. New Zealand have 3 confirmed group stage matches scheduled across the tournament.
New Zealand supporters traveling to the 2026 World Cup can look forward to matches across multiple host cities in Canada and the United States. Follow SeatNav for ticket availability, venue guides, and match day information as the tournament approaches.
Key Player
Chris Wood
All Whites · FIFA #93
Head Coach
Darren Bazeley
Home: Eden Park (Auckland)
Group I Battle Preview
Head-to-head records against each group opponent
0
W
1
D
3
L
New Zealand held France to a 0-0 draw at the 2010 World Cup — one of the most famous results in All Whites history. France were abysmal in South Africa, but Mbappé's France is a different beast entirely. Still, New Zealand went unbeaten at that tournament. The All Whites will believe another defensive masterclass is possible.
View France →
0
W
1
D
1
L
New Zealand, the only OFC representative, face Nigeria's Super Eagles in a clash of confederations. Nigeria's talent pool, anchored by Premier League stars, makes them heavy favorites. But New Zealand's 2010 unbeaten run proved that defensive organization can level the playing field at a World Cup.
View Nigeria →How New Zealand Qualified
New Zealand qualified through OFC qualification and the intercontinental playoffs, reaching only their third World Cup after 1982 and 2010.
New Zealand Tactical Identity
Under Darren Bazeley, New Zealand bring a distinctive tactical approach to the 2026 World Cup. All Whites will look to impose their style on group-stage opponents while managing the physical demands of the expanded tournament format.
SeatNav's Power Index rates New Zealand at 3.8/10 (ranked #33 overall), classifying them as an outside contender in the Underdog tier. Their strongest factor is group-stage preparation while limited World Cup pedigree represents their biggest challenge.
2026 Tournament Outlook
New Zealand face a extremely challenging Group I draw against France, Nigeria. With the expanded 48-team format sending the top two from each group plus the best third-placed teams through to the Round of 32, All Whites will be targeting a minimum of two victories to secure safe passage.
The group features a significant rivalry with France, adding historical weight to matches that already carry immense World Cup stakes.
Match Schedule
3 confirmed matches
Iran
New ZealandNew Zealand
Group I
Top 2 advance. Best 3rd-place teams qualify for Round of 32.
Squad (40)
Current national team squad. Final World Cup roster announced May 2026.
Goalkeepers(4)
Defenders(16)
Midfielders(10)
Forwards(10)
Away Kit Preview
Group Stage Opponents
Intercontinental Playoff 1
CONCACAF
Playoff — TBD March 2026
Share this team
New Zealand
Squad data via API-Football. Team colors are approximate. Final World Cup rosters announced May 2026. SeatNav is not affiliated with FIFA. Profile: 394 words.