Wood: NZ Rugby’s Key to World Cup Success – Coach Bazeley
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All Whites Aim to Build on Herbert’s Legacy at 2026 World Cup
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New Zealand’s national football team, the All Whites, are setting aspiring goals for the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup, aiming to surpass their historic performance at the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
A Legacy Forged in South Africa
the 2010 World Cup remains a watershed moment for New Zealand football. Under coach Ricki Herbert, the All Whites achieved three consecutive draws against Slovakia, Italy, and paraguay, becoming the first nation to go unbeaten in their debut World Cup as Italy in 1934 (FIFA).This performance, following a 28-year absence from the tournament as their first appearance in 1982 (New Zealand Football),earned the team global respect and cemented Herbert’s place as a pivotal figure in the nation’s football history.
Bazeley’s Challenge: Beyond Draws to Wins
Current all Whites head coach Darren Bazeley is building on this foundation, challenging his team, currently ranked 82nd in the world (FIFA World Ranking), to achieve unprecedented success at the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Bazeley aims for New Zealand’s first-ever World Cup victories and a place in the knockout stages of the expanded tournament.
“We know what was achieved before - three draws in 2010 – was unbelievable. We lean on that,” Bazeley stated. “This is a different team. I won’t say better, but it’s exciting.The ceiling is high.”
Chris wood: Leading the Charge
Veteran striker chris Wood, a key figure in Bazeley’s plans, embodies the team’s ambition. Wood was the youngest member of the 2010 World Cup squad at just 18 years old. He may be among the oldest players on the roster for the 2026 finals, now aged 33.
Wood’s recent form for Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League demonstrates his continued prowess. He began the 2024-25 campaign with a brace against Brentford, adding to a career total of over 20 goals (Premier League Official Website). His experience and goal-scoring ability will be crucial to New Zealand’s hopes.
| Player | Age (as of Aug 26, 2024) | caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Wood | 33 | 88 | 34 |
| Joe Bell | 25 | 21 | 0 |