Group G
New Zealand
- Manager
- Darren Bazeley
- Squad
- 26 players
- Announced
- May 14
Tournament projection
- Advance
- 22.7%
- Round of 16
- 4.5%
- Quarter-final
- 0.9%
- Semi-final
- 0.1%
- Final
- 0.0%
- Champion
- 0.0%
Market champion price 0.1% · model edge -0.1%.
Scouting report
updated 2026-06-04A 4-2-3-1 with three narrow 10s feeding crosses to Chris Wood, holding a solid rest-defence — but struggling in transition. Hard to read after easy qualification.
Style · 4-2-3-1 — three narrow '10s', fullbacks high & wide, crosses into the box for Chris Wood, 2 CB & 2 CM holding the rest-defence.
Counter-reliance ·lowCrossing side, and struggles in transition
Strengths
- +Crossing supply to Chris Wood
- +Solid 2-CB / 2-CM holding rest-defence
- +Three narrow creative 10s
Weaknesses
- −Struggle in transition
Key players
- Elijah Just · CAMCreative 10 with goals & assists, a great two-footed dribbler and an excellent presser
- Tactics
- Get fullbacks wide, work the three 10s and cross for Wood, with a holding block behind. Hard to gauge their level after easy qualification and a run of poor friendly results.
Sources: John Walker (@johnwalker_1986) — pre-tournament tactical scouting, May–Jun 2026
Group fixtures
Squad
Goalkeepers
- Max CrocombeMillwall
- Alex PaulsenLechia Gdańsk
- Michael WoudAuckland FC
Defenders
- Tim PayneWellington Phoenix
- Francis De VriesAuckland FC
- Tyler BindonNottingham Forest
- Michael BoxallMinnesota United
- Liberato CacaceWrexham
- Nando PijnakerAuckland FC
- Finn SurmanPortland Timbers
- Callan ElliotAuckland FC
- Tommy SmithBraintree Town
Midfielders
- Joe BellViking FK
- Matt GarbettPeterborough United
- Marko StamenicSwansea City
- Sarpreet SinghWellington Phoenix
- Alex RuferWellington Phoenix
- Ryan ThomasPEC Zwolle
Forwards
- Chris WoodNottingham Forest
- Eli JustMotherwell
- Kosta BarbarousesWestern Sydney Wanderers
- Ben WainePort Vale
- Ben OldSaint-Étienne
- Callum McCowattSilkeborg IF
- Jesse RandallAuckland FC
- Lachlan BaylissNewcastle Jets