Wellington Phoenix W · World Cup - U20 - Women · Midfielder · #19 · New Zealand · 20 yrs
Elijah Just was left "a little disappointed" despite scoring twice as New Zealand started their World Cup with a 2-2 draw with Iran that had BBC pundit Chris Sutton suggesting had "added a couple of zeros" on to the Motherwell midfielder's transfer value. The 26-year-old became the first Well player to score at a World Cup - and his country's top scorer ever at a finals - with two sublime finishes at Los Angeles Stadium. "It is a memory that'll last me for the rest of my life," Just said while paying tribute to captain Chris Wood, the 34-year-old Nottingham Forest striker, for setting up both goals.
Marko Stamenic became the third Swansea City player to feature in this summer's World Cup finals, playing almost the entirety of New Zealand's 2-2 Group G draw with Iran in Los Angeles. The 24-year-old midfielder was in the starting line-up for the All White's first World Cup appearance in 16 years, playing 92 minutes before being replaced by Nottingham Forest's Tyler Bindon in stoppage time. "I'm always thinking of him when I step on the field, whether that's for the national team or for Swansea," Stamenic told BBC Sport Wales.
Full preview of New Zealand for the 2026 World Cup, including squad breakdown, key players, and tactical analysis of their chances. New Zealand returns to the international stage this summer for the first time since 2010. Ranked 85th globally, the All Whites enter the tournament in North America as the lowest-ranked nation in the 48-team field. Despite their underdog status, a dominant qualification run provides momentum for the squad. The primary goal is to secure the country’s first-ever victory at the global tournament. New Zealand will rely on the goal-scoring ability of their star striker Chris Wood, a cohesive defensive approach, and the experience of a coach familiar with the roster. This preview breaks down the New Zealand 2026 World Cup squad, tactical setup, and group-stage expectations. Team profile CoachDarren BazeleyCaptainChris WoodNicknameAll WhitesFIFA ranking85thConfederationOFCGroupGroup GBest World Cup resultGroup stageWorld Cup appearances3Last World Cup appearance2010 How New Zealand play Darren Bazeley’s side emphasizes a structured, possession-based approach against regional opponents. However, their New Zealand tactical analysis reveals a necessary shift when facing higher-caliber international soccer teams 2026. Against stronger opposition, the All Whites transition into a resilient defensive block. They rely on organization and physical durability to frustrate attackers. During recent friendlies against top-tier nations, their forward pass completion dropped significantly, highlighting a struggle to build from the back under intense pressure. Offensively, the team depends on set pieces and aerial deliveries. They dominated aerial duels during their regional qualifiers, making dead-ball situations their most reliable route to goal. Without significant creativity in open play, the New Zealand formation must prioritize defensive solidity while maximizing the limited service provided to their target man. This pragmatic approach will dictate whether they can remain competitive in their group. Darren Bazeley: The coach behind New Zealand Bazeley became the permanent New Zealand coach in 2023 following a successful stint as interim manager. His connection to the national team setup spans over a decade. Bazeley holds the distinction of leading the nation at the U-17, U-20, and senior levels. This extensive background means he has previously coached nearly every player on the current roster. His familiarity with the squad fosters strong internal chemistry. While Bazeley prefers an attacking philosophy, he recognizes the need for pragmatism against elite competition. His ability to adapt his preferred style to the realities of the tournament will influence how the team handles adversity in North America. Key player: Chris Wood Chris Wood is the undisputed focal point of the New Zealand attack. The Nottingham Forest striker enters the summer with 45 goals in 88 international appearances. Wood combines immense physical strength with elite aerial ability. His capacity to win individual battles makes him a constant threat inside the penalty area, particularly from set pieces. While he requires reliable service to be effective, his intelligent positioning creates valuable space for teammates. As one of the New Zealand key players, Wood’s fitness is vital. The talent gap behind him is significant, and his absence would severely diminish the team’s offensive capabilities. If Wood is isolated or injured, the All Whites will struggle to find alternative scoring avenues. New Zealand’s road to the 2026 World Cup New Zealand dominated the Oceanic qualifiers to secure the region’s first direct entry slot. The team finished the campaign with a perfect five-win record, scoring 24 goals and conceding just once. The All Whites defeated Vanuatu and Samoa in the second round before shutting out Fiji 5-0 on March 21, 2025. They secured their ticket to North America with a commanding 3-0 victory over New Caledonia on March 24, 2025
