FIFA World Cup 2026
New Zealand at the FIFA World Cup 2026
Overview
New Zealand is a South Pacific island nation of two main islands and smaller outlying groups, English‑ and Māori‑official, with Wellington as its capital, dramatic alpine and volcanic landscapes and an economy historically rooted in agriculture and tourism.
New Zealand have never lifted the trophy, but their best run is as World Cup group-stage regulars (1982, 2010) across 2 World Cup appearances. At the World Cup, Winston Reid and Shane Smeltz feature prominently in the scoring charts for New Zealand with 1 goal each. All-time, Vaughn Coveny leads New Zealand's senior men's scoring list with 28 goals.
At World Cup 2026, New Zealand line up in Group G as OFC representatives from Oceania. Group-stage fixtures against Belgium, Egypt and Iran open a competitive first-round schedule.
New Zealand return to the men's World Cup in 2026 after a 16-year gap, drawn in Group G with Iran, Belgium and Egypt. Defender Tim Payne — Wellington Phoenix captain and All Whites regular — became an unlikely global story when fans rallied around the viral "No Payne, No Gain" campaign ahead of the tournament.
Quick facts
- Capital
- Wellington
- Continent
- Oceania
- Federation
- OFC (Oceania)
- Group
- G
- FIFA ranking (Nov 2025)
- #86
- World Cup titles
- 0
Geography
- Founded / established
- 1907
- Population
- 5,313,600
- Languages
- English and Māori (official); NZ Sign Language official
- Currency
- New Zealand dollar (NZD)
- Area
- 268,021 km²
- Highest point
- Aoraki / Mount Cook (3,724 m)
- Climate
- Oceanic temperate; wet western slopes; drier rain-shadow east
- Land borders
- None (island nation)
Football facts
- Appearances
- 2
- Best result
- Group stage (1982, 2010)
- Top scorer
- Winston Reid, Shane Smeltz (1)
- Debut
- 1982
2026 World Cup kits
Home kit
Main color: white
World Cup history
2 World Cup appearances
| Year | Result |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Qualified (2026) |
| 2010 | Group stage |
| 1982 | Group stage |
Frequently asked questions
- Has New Zealand ever won the FIFA World Cup?
- No. New Zealand have not won the men's World Cup; their best finish is World Cup group-stage regulars (1982, 2010).
- Which group is New Zealand in at World Cup 2026?
- New Zealand are in Group G. Group opponents include Belgium, Egypt, Iran.
- What is the capital of New Zealand?
- The capital city is Wellington.
- Which FIFA confederation does New Zealand belong to?
- New Zealand compete under OFC (Oceania).
- How many World Cups has New Zealand played before 2026?
- New Zealand had appeared in 2 FIFA World Cups prior to qualifying for 2026.
- Who is New Zealand's all-time leading goal scorer?
- Vaughn Coveny leads New Zealand's senior men's national team with 28 goals in FIFA-recognised matches.