New Zealand

FIFA Ranking #97Coach Darren BazeleyNZL

Team quick answers

What group is New Zealand in at World Cup 2026?

New Zealand are in Group G with Iran, Egypt, Belgium. The group is a four-team round-robin.

Who coaches New Zealand and what is their FIFA ranking?

New Zealand are coached by Darren Bazeley, are FIFA-ranked #97, and use the team code NZL.

When does New Zealand's group-stage campaign start?

New Zealand's first group match is against Iran on June 16, 2026 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Their full group-stage window runs June 16, 2026 — June 27, 2026.

How can New Zealand reach the knockout stage?

New Zealand advance directly to the Round of 32 by finishing in the top two of Group G. If they finish third, they need to be one of the eight best third-placed teams across the 12 groups.

Team profile

New Zealand arrive at FIFA World Cup 2026 as a rising football nation, ranked #97 in the FIFA world rankings. Darren Bazeley leads the squad after qualifying through the OFC qualifying pathway. They have been drawn into Group G, a four-team round-robin where the top two advance directly to the round of 32 and the third-placed team competes for one of eight best-third spots. Confederation: OFC (Oceania) — historically a single-team confederation, with New Zealand its lone WC2026 representative. New Zealand's qualification campaign placed them among the sole sides representing their region at the expanded 48-team tournament. New Zealand share Group G with Belgium, Egypt, Iran. Average FIFA rank of the group: #42. New Zealand's group-stage campaign runs from June 16, 2026 to June 27, 2026, with three matches over approximately two weeks. FIFA World Cup 2026 is the first edition with 48 teams, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026. The expanded format means most teams need only finish in the top three of their group to keep playing.