New Zealand

New Zealand — the All Whites — return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2010, drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and Iran. As the OFC (Oceania Football Confederation) representative, New Zealand face a significant quality gap against their group opponents.

The group is tough. Belgium are four-time World Cup participants with world-class talent. Egypt have Mohamed Salah. Iran are organized and experienced. New Zealand will need to produce their best-ever performances to compete.

Why this group matters: New Zealand's 2010 campaign was remarkable — they drew all three group matches (against Slovakia, Italy, and Paraguay) and left as the only unbeaten team in the tournament. The All Whites want to channel that spirit in 2026.

Iran on Matchday 1 is the most winnable fixture and the must-win match. Egypt on Matchday 2 in Vancouver is a crucial middle game. Belgium on Matchday 3 closes the group against the toughest opponent.

New Zealand have appeared in 2 FIFA World Cups:

• 1982 (Spain): New Zealand's debut. They lost all three group matches (5-2 to Scotland, 3-0 to the Soviet Union, 4-1 to Brazil) but the experience was foundational for Kiwi football.
• 2010 (South Africa): The remarkable campaign where New Zealand drew all three matches — 1-1 with Slovakia, 1-1 with Italy (the defending champions), and 0-0 with Paraguay. They left unbeaten but eliminated on points. The draw against Italy remains one of the great upsets in World Cup history.
• OFC dominance: New Zealand are the dominant force in Oceania football but face the structural challenge of the OFC's limited World Cup allocation.

The 2010 campaign is a source of immense pride and the blueprint for 2026: defend with discipline, compete physically, and take every opportunity.

• Chris Wood as the lone target holding the ball up front
• Five-man defense that is difficult to break down
• Counter-attacks through direct balls to Wood and pace on the wings
• Set pieces as a primary attacking weapon — Wood's aerial ability is the focal point
• Collective discipline — every player defends, every player works

The approach mirrors Iceland's Euro 2016 success: smaller nations can compete at the highest level through supreme organization, defensive discipline, and set-piece efficiency.

New Zealand is primarily a rugby nation (the All Blacks are the national sporting obsession), but the All Whites World Cup campaigns generate genuine football enthusiasm.

• All Whites pride: The nickname echoes the All Blacks (rugby), creating a national sporting identity. The All Whites brand has grown significantly since 2010.
• Kiwi underdog spirit: New Zealanders embrace the underdog role. The 2010 unbeaten record is a source of enormous pride and frequently referenced.
• Distance dedication: New Zealand is the furthest nation from any World Cup venue. The commitment required for fans to travel to the tournament demonstrates genuine devotion.
• Growing football culture: Women's football (the Football Ferns) and the hosting of the 2023 Women's World Cup have accelerated football's growth in New Zealand.

Why to watch if you are a casual fan: New Zealand's 2010 story — drawing with Italy and leaving the World Cup unbeaten — is one of football's great underdog tales. Chris Wood's Premier League pedigree gives them a genuine threat, and the possibility of another famous draw or upset makes every match worth watching. Plus, you will never find more likeable underdogs.

New Zealand need to beat Iran and take a point from either Belgium or Egypt. It is a tall order but not impossible given the 2010 precedent.

Prediction: Group stage exit. New Zealand will be organized and difficult to beat but likely lack the quality to advance. A draw against Iran or Egypt would be a strong result. Repeating the 2010 feat of leaving unbeaten is the dream scenario, though the group opponents are collectively stronger.