Chris Wood: Forest striker headlines New Zealand squad for World Cup

Chris Wood: Forest striker headlines New Zealand squad for World Cup

Nottingham Forest star Chris Wood has been included in New Zealand’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

All Whites have only qualified for the football showpiece wwice before, with their most recent participation coming in 2010 in South Africa.

Wood, then just 18 years old, was the youngest player in the squad that exited the tournament unbeaten after drawing against Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay.

New Zealand will face Iran, Egypt and Belgium in the 2026 group stage, beginning their campaign against Iran on June 16.

Wood has made 19 appearances for Nottingham Forest this season, scoring six goals despite spending time sidelined through injury.

NEW ZEALAND SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe, Alex Paulsen, Michael Woud

Defenders: Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Francis de Vries, Callan Elliot, Tim Payne, Nando Pijnaker, Tommy Smith, Finn Surman

Midfielders: Lachlan Bayliss, Joe Bell, Matt Garbett, Ben Old, Alex Rufer, Sarpreet Singh, Marko Stamenic, Ryan Thomas

Forwards: Kosta Barbarouses, Eli Just, Callum McCowatt, Jesse Randall, Ben Waine, Chris Wood