ESP 16%
FRA 12%
ARG 12%
BRA 11%
ENG 10%
Tournament outlook
As of July 20, 2026, New Zealand have a 0.1% market-implied probability of winning the 2026 World Cup (+99900), the 42nd-best odds of any team, based on live model estimates.
New Zealand will be physical and organised, with Chris Wood a real focal point. Competing with the world's best is a major step up from OFC qualifying.
Managed by Darren Bazeley, New Zealand head into the 2026 World Cup in Group G, where they face Belgium, Egypt, Iran. With a FIFA ranking of #85, expectations are calibrated accordingly, but tournament football has a way of rewriting the script.
Key players
Christopher Grant Wood is a New Zealand professional footballer who plays as a forward for Premier League club Nottingham Forest and captains the New Zealand national team.
Marko Seufatu Nikola Stamenić is a New Zealand professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for EFL Championship club Swansea City and the New Zealand national team.
Liberato Gianpaolo Cacace is a New Zealand professional footballer who plays as a left-back for EFL Championship club Wrexham and the New Zealand national team.
Strengths & weaknesses
▲ Strengths
- Aerial threat in Wood
- Organisation
- Team spirit
▼ Weaknesses
- Step up from Oceania level
- Lack of pace
How far can New Zealand go?
New Zealand will treat the group stage as their proving ground. An upset over a higher-ranked side would make their tournament a success. Follow our matchup previews and live odds throughout the group stage to track their progress.
