Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood is set to lead New Zealand at the upcoming World Cup, despite a season plagued by injuries in the Premier League. The 26-man squad, announced Thursday by coach Darren Bazeley in Auckland, sees Wood take the captain's armband, following in the footsteps of Steve Sumner (1982) and Ryan Nelsen (2010).

Wood, alongside 36-year-old defender Tommy Smith, will make history as the first New Zealand men to play at two soccer World Cups. Both were part of the All Whites squad for the 2010 tournament in South Africa. Smith's recall is particularly notable—he's been called up from England's fifth-tier National League, marking his first appearance for New Zealand since late 2024.

Bazeley admitted the selection process was a tough one, with 40 players having featured for New Zealand in 10 matches over the past 15 months. "It is a privilege to be in this role and name a squad for the FIFA World Cup, the pinnacle of the game and the dream of everyone who plays," he said. "We have spent the last few years building to this moment and tracking around 55 players in contention to make it."

The coaching team focused on assembling a squad they believe can push beyond the group stage—a feat New Zealand has never achieved in its previous two World Cup appearances. "This is never going to be an easy process, and the responsibility isn't lost on us," Bazeley added, "but I'm confident we have landed on the best possible squad to face Iran, Egypt, Belgium, and beyond."

Currently ranked 85th, New Zealand faces a tough Group G, featuring No. 9 Belgium, No. 20 Iran, and No. 29 Egypt. "Now the time for discussions is over, we need to head to the tournament and take the opportunity in front of us to make history for New Zealand," Bazeley said.

Wood, speaking via a pre-recorded video message from England, expressed his excitement and readiness for the challenge ahead. With a blend of experienced campaigners and fresh talent, the All Whites are hoping to write a new chapter in their World Cup story.