Forest Star Chris Wood Leads New Zealand Squad as World Cup Opportunity Awaits

Chris Wood, the standout striker for Nottingham Forest, has been named as the captain of New Zealand’s squad announced on Tuesday for pivotal matches that could see the team qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 16 years.

The All Whites are set to clash with Fiji in the semi-finals of the Oceania qualifying tournament in Wellington on March 21, while New Caledonia will take on Tahiti on the same day.

Winners of these matches will meet at Auckland’s Eden Park three days later, with the victorious side earning a place in the 2026 World Cup to be held in North America, as this marks the first time an Oceania team has been granted direct entry.

New Zealand has previously participated in the World Cup twice, in 1982 and 2010, but remains yet to secure a victory.

Despite being the overwhelming favourites to qualify, coach Darren Bazeley has emphasised the need for focus and determination.

“We’ve reached the critical stage of the competition, and we understand the importance of these games if we wish to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010.” he commented.

“We’re not taking anything for granted; the entire squad is completely devoted to our objectives this month.“

The 23-player squad is led by Wood, who is enjoying a remarkable season, having netted 18 goals in the English Premier League thus far.

“Over the past year, we’ve focused on maintaining consistency in our selections to foster team cohesion. This way, when players arrive for camp, they are fully aware of what is required, particularly given our limited time together and the need for peak performance,” Bazeley noted.

Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe (Burton Albion), Alex Paulsen (Auckland FC), Oli Sail (Perth Glory)

Defenders: Tyler Bindon (Reading FC), Michael Boxall (Minnesota United), Liberato Caccace (Empoli FC), Francis de Vries (Auckland FC), Tim Payne (Wellington Phoenix), Nando Pijnaker (Auckland FC), Storm Roux (Central Coast Mariners), Tommy Smith (Auckland FC)

Midfielders: Joe Bell (Viking FK), Matt Garbett (NAC Breda), Eli Just (SKN St. Polten), Alex Rufer (Wellington Phoenix), Sarpreet Singh (UD Leiria), Marko Stamenic (Olympiacos)

Forwards: Kosta Barbarouses (Wellington Phoenix), Callum McCowatt (Silkeborg IF), Jesse Randall (Auckland FC), Logan Rogerson (Auckland FC), Ben Waine (Mansfield Town), Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)