Scouting intel
compiled 2026-06-21 · SonarSquad value
€34.30m
Coach
Darren Bazeley
Form (last 5)
LDDWL
Key players
Chris WoodCF · Premier League striker, focal point in box€8.00m
Liberato CacaceLB · Energetic modern full-back, strong delivery€3.50m
Sarpreet SinghAM · Creative playmaker, key between the lines€1.50m
Bill TuilomaDM/CB · Versatile defender, set‑piece threat and leader€1.20m
Shape: New Zealand typically line up in a compact 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 built on defensive organisation and direct service into Chris Wood as the central reference point.[5][10] They emphasise crosses and quick transitions rather than long settled possession, with full-backs pushing high to support wide attacks.[5]
Numbers: Recent competitive matches show New Zealand often generating a modest volume of chances mainly from wide deliveries and set pieces while allowing relatively few clear-cut opportunities at the other end, reflecting their low-block, risk-averse approach.[5] Against stronger opposition their non-penalty xG for tends to be limited, increasing reliance on Wood's finishing and dead-ball situations.[5]
Key updates
- ▸New Zealand qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, returning to the tournament for the first time since 2010.[5][8]
- ▸Darren Bazeley, previously involved with New Zealand age-group sides, leads the team into the 2026 World Cup as head coach.[5]
- ▸Veterans Chris Wood and Tommy Smith are set to become the first New Zealanders to appear at two World Cups, having played in 2010 and now selected again for 2026.[5][10]
- ▸The 26-man World Cup squad mixes experienced core players like Wood, Smith and Boxall with younger options, maintaining an average age just over 28.[5][6]