New Zealand
The story
Qualified through a competitive confederation campaign with a balanced squad of European-based regulars and emerging domestic talent.
How they got here
Won the OFC's direct berth without dropping a point.
Expectations
Targeting a place in the knockout round and the chance to spoil a favorite's run.
Manager & key players
Group G
BelgiumFIFA #8
EgyptFIFA #36
IranFIFA #20
New ZealandFIFA #86
Upcoming matches
Latest news & commentary
updated daily- Aug 1Fan
Ticket allocations for New Zealand's opener were oversubscribed in under an hour, federation officials confirmed.
- Jul 30Camp
New Zealand open their pre-tournament camp this week with a full-squad fitness block before the first friendly.
- Jul 28Squad
— is weighing a 26-player list with two uncapped call-ups pushing for late inclusion.
- Jul 26Tactics
— has hinted at a tweaked back-three shape in training, freeing Squad announcement pending into a roaming role.
- Jul 24Build-up
New Zealand take on a friendly opponent at home next week — a final dress rehearsal before the tournament window opens.