New Zealand is back at the FIFA World Cup after a gap of 16 years. The team, known as the All Whites, last played in this tournament in 2010 in South Africa. This time they are part of Group G along with Iran, Egypt and Belgium.
On June 16, 2026, New Zealand played their opening match against Iran at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The match ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw. This was a fine start for the All Whites, who picked up their first point of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Here are the key New Zealand players who can decide how far this team goes in the tournament.
Key Players to Watch Out For From New Zealand
Elijah Just
Age: 26
Position: Forward and Winger
Club: Motherwell (Scotland)
Elijah Just was the biggest name to come out of New Zealand's opening match. He scored both goals for his country in the 2-2 draw against Iran, putting the All Whites ahead twice in the game. Born in Palmerston North, Just plays for Motherwell in Scotland and has represented New Zealand at junior and senior level since 2019. His pace and finishing made him the standout performer, and he will be a player to watch closely in the matches against Egypt and Belgium.
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Chris Wood
Age: 34
Position: Striker
Club: Nottingham Forest (England)
Chris Wood leads New Zealand as captain and is the country's all-time top scorer with 45 international goals. He also holds the record for the most caps for New Zealand, with 89 appearances. Wood started the Iran match as the team's main striker despite recovering from a knee injury earlier this year. His experience from playing more than a decade in the English Premier League gives the All Whites a strong and steady presence in attack.
Sarpreet Singh
Age: 27
Position: Attacking Midfielder / Winger
Club: Wellington Phoenix
Sarpreet Singh is a 27-year-old professional footballer from New Zealand who plays as an attacking midfielder. He is is placed in Group G at the FIFA World Cup 2026 along with Iran, Portugal, and another team. Their opening match was against Iran on June 16, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Los Angeles, USA.
The confirmed starting lineup for that match showed Sarpreet Singh in the Number 10 position, just behind captain Chris Wood. It was a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Marko Stamenic
Age: 24
Position: Central Midfielder
Club: Swansea City (Wales)
Marko Stamenic is one of the most important players in New Zealand's midfield. Born in Wellington to a Serbian father and a Samoan mother, he moved to Europe at just 18 years of age and has played for clubs in Denmark, Serbia and Greece before joining Swansea City. He is only the second New Zealand player ever to play in the UEFA Champions League. His strength and passing helped New Zealand control the midfield against Iran.
Tim Payne
Age: 32
Position: Right Back
Club: Wellington Phoenix (New Zealand)
Tim Payne became famous on social media even before the World Cup started, after an Argentine football influencer called him the least known player in the tournament. His Instagram following crossed 5 million, far higher than many of his teammates. On the field, Payne started at right back against Iran and recently completed his 50th international cap for New Zealand.
Liberato Cacace
Age: 25
Position: Left Back
Club: Wrexham (Wales)
Liberato Cacace is New Zealand's regular left back and led the team to the OFC Men's Nations Cup title in 2024. He missed several months this season because of a calf injury but recovered in time for the World Cup. Cacace started the Iran match at left back and brings strong defending and passing skills to the side.
New Zealand's Remaining Group G Matches
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Match
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Date
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Venue
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New Zealand vs Egypt
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June 22, 2026
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BC Place, Vancouver
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New Zealand vs Belgium
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June 27, 2026
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BC Place, Vancouver
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After drawing with Iran, New Zealand will next face Egypt and then Belgium. A win in either game can help the All Whites reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history.