New Zealand

Profile

The All Whites breezed through Oceania qualifying and return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 — when they famously drew all three group games and went home unbeaten in one of the competition's most improbable group stage performances. Captain and talisman Chris Wood, fresh off prolific Premier League seasons with Nottingham Forest and now the most capped and most experienced New Zealander in European football, leads the line with authority. Liberato Cacace has become a Premier League regular at Wrexham, while Marko Stamenic has established himself at Olympiacos. Coach Darren Bazeley has built a disciplined, well-organised side that is hard to break down and effective on set pieces. Group G against Belgium, Egypt and Iran is a severe test, but New Zealand's 2010 spirit — draw after draw, point by point — showed they never give up. Any point from this group would be celebrated across New Zealand as the achievement of a generation.

New Zealand fixtures

Players to watch

• Chris Wood

  Forward · Nottingham Forest

  New Zealand's all-time top scorer and the most accomplished Kiwi footballer of his generation, Wood has been a reliable Premier League striker across multiple clubs. His aerial power, hold-up play and poacher's instinct in the box make him the focal point of everything New Zealand do going forward and a constant threat from set pieces.

• Liberato Cacace

  Defender · Wrexham

  A talented left-back who has made the step up to Premier League football at Wrexham after impressive Eredivisie performances, Cacace brings athleticism and quality on the ball to New Zealand's defence. His attacking instinct from left-back and ability to deliver accurate crosses give New Zealand an outlet they rarely enjoyed in previous World Cup generations.

• Marko Stamenic

  Midfielder · Olympiacos

  A combative, technically capable central midfielder who has established himself across European football, Stamenic gives New Zealand the platform in midfield to compete against better-resourced opponents. His work rate, intelligent positioning and ability to win the ball in congested areas make him invaluable in a team that must be disciplined to succeed.

Group G table