Chris Wood Returns as New Zealand Announce World Cup Squad

Chris Wood leads New Zealand’s 2026 World Cup charge

Chris Wood has scored 6 goals in 19 games for Nottingham Forest this season and will spearhead New Zealand’s attack at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Chris Wood headlines New Zealand squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup...

Chris Wood takes centre stage as New Zealand name their squad for the FIFA World Cup.

Wood was only 18 at the last tournament and the youngest in the squad that bowed out unbeaten following draws with Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay.

New Zealand face Iran, Egypt and Belgium in the 2026 group stage, starting against Iran on June 16.

For Nottingham Forest this season, Wood has played 19 times and scored six goals, even after missing time with 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

Introducing the squad to represent Aotearoa New Zealand at the FIFA World Cup 2026 🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/CiHjKx56Bw

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) May 13, 2026