#101
FIFA Ranking
2
WC Appearances
Group Stage
Best Finish
2010
Last World Cup
Road to the 2026 World Cup
New Zealand secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the Oceania qualification pathway. As a OFC representative, they were among 1 teams from their confederation to earn a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Currently ranked #101 in the FIFA World Rankings, New Zealand enters the tournament as a underdog team with expectations to compete at the highest level. With 2 previous World Cup appearances, they bring valuable tournament experience.
Group G Analysis
New Zealand has been drawn in Group G and will face three opponents in the group stage. Each team plays 3 matches, with the top 2 advancing automatically and 8 best third-place teams also qualifying for the Round of 32.
Group G Opponents
Belgium
FIFA Ranking: #5 • Elite opponent
Egypt
FIFA Ranking: #37 • Moderate opponent
Iran
FIFA Ranking: #20 • Strong opponent
Group G Fixtures for New Zealand
Match 14
Jun 15, 2026
Iran
vs.
New Zealand
SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
Match 32
Jun 21, 2026
New Zealand
vs.
Egypt
BC Place, Vancouver
Match 55
Jun 26, 2026
New Zealand
vs.
Belgium
BC Place, Vancouver
Tournament Outlook
Realistic Expectations
Compete hard in every match and aim to pick up points. Finishing third with a chance at advancement or causing an upset would exceed expectations.
Best-Case Scenario
Pull off surprising results and sneak into the knockout stage as a third-place qualifier. World Cups reward teams that fight until the final whistle.
Key Challenges
Facing technically superior opponents and managing the physical demands of tournament football. Staying organized defensively while creating goal-scoring opportunities will be key.
Can New Zealand Win the World Cup?
New Zealand faces long odds to win the World Cup, but the beauty of tournament football is that any team can have their moment. The expanded 48-team format gives more nations the opportunity to compete and potentially cause upsets.
For New Zealand, success in 2026 means competing with pride, gaining valuable experience, and potentially picking up points or even advancing from the group stage. Every journey starts somewhere, and participation in the World Cup is a significant achievement in itself.
World Cup History
New Zealand has appeared in 2 FIFA World Cup tournaments, demonstrating their status as a consistent qualifier on the global stage.
Their best result was Group Stage, representing their peak performance at the World Cup to date.
They last competed in the 2010 World Cup. Their return to the World Cup stage in 2026 marks a significant moment for the nation.
As a relatively new participant in World Cup history, New Zealand is still writing their story on the global stage.
Predict New Zealand's Tournament Journey
Build your complete World Cup 2026 bracket: rank all 12 groups, select third-place qualifiers, and pick your champion. Free, no login required.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does New Zealand play at World Cup 2026?▾
New Zealand will play their first group stage match on June 15, 2026 against Iran. All three group stage matches will be completed by late June 2026, with knockout stage dates depending on their final group position.
Who is in Group G with New Zealand?▾
New Zealand has been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and Iran. Each team will play three matches in the group stage, with the top 2 teams automatically advancing to the Round of 32 and the 8 best third-place teams also qualifying.
What is New Zealand's best World Cup finish?▾
New Zealand's best World Cup finish is Group Stage. They will be looking to improve on this result at the 2026 tournament.
Can New Zealand win the World Cup 2026?▾
While New Zealand faces long odds to win the tournament outright, football is known for its surprises. Their realistic goal for 2026 is to advance from the group stage and gain momentum in the knockout rounds. Success builds over time, and a strong showing in 2026 could set the foundation for future World Cup campaigns. Every underdog story starts somewhere.