New Zealand Names World Cup Squad with Veterans Smith and Wood
Braintree's Tommy Smith and Nottingham Forest's Chris Wood Set to Make History
Quick Look
New Zealand's 2026 World Cup squad includes veterans Tommy Smith (36) and Chris Wood (34), who will become the first Kiwis to play in two men's World Cups, with matches against Belgium, Egypt, and Iran in the group stage.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
New Zealand prepares for the 2026 World Cup with a mix of veteran and new players.
Braintree Town defender Tommy Smith, 36, and Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood, 34, are set to make history as the first New Zealanders to play in two men’s World Cups after being named in the All Whites’ 26-man squad for the 2026 tournament.
Smith, who last played for New Zealand in 2024, started all three group matches when the country last competed in the World Cup in 2010. Wood, who captained the squad, returned to play in April after a six-month absence due to a knee injury requiring surgery.
New Zealand, co-hosting the World Cup with the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, will face Belgium, Egypt, and Iran in the group stage. They play friendlies against Haiti (June 3) and England (June 6 in Tampa, Florida) before the tournament.
In their 2010 World Cup appearance, New Zealand drew all three matches but failed to advance beyond the group stage.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
New Zealand will face tough competition in their group
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Full squad list beyond Smith and Wood
