World Cup: Names to look out for in today's All Whites squad announcement

All White Chris Wood, middle, gestures to fans after New Zealand's recent World Cup qualifier victory over New Caledonia.

Today is the day. In just a few hours, we'll know the group that will be heading to North America next month for New Zealand's first FIFA World Cup campaign in 16 years.

Unlike in the 2010 tournament, head coach Darren Bazeley will be taking a fully professional squad to the tournament and will have his pick of players from leagues around the world.

Watch the All Whites squad reveal in a special show hosted by Chris Chang on 1News.co.nz from 11am today.

Here are a few names to look out for as Bazeley selects his 26-man squad.

The guaranteed starter

Chris Wood celebrates a goal against Vanuatu.

One player who is guaranteed to be on today's list is striker and captain Chris Wood.

Aside from being a proven goal scorer and world-class player (with 45 international goals and 92 in the English Premier League), Wood is the All Whites' most experienced player – and the only player in the most recent squad to have actually competed at a World Cup.

His role at this tournament will be remarkably diffrent from his first time around. During the 2010 tournament, Wood was 18 and had just started his professional career in England with West Bromwich Albion.

Since then, he's become a core part of New Zealand football and is the All Whites' key player. He will be a leader on the team, bringing a wealth of experience.

Young players on the rise

Tyler Bindon (centre) in action for the All Whites against the Republic of Ireland in 2023.

A slew of young Kiwis have started to make their mark on the football world, with a good chunk likely to be on the squad.

Defender Tyler Bindon, 21, signed with Nottingham Forest, has just wrapped up a loan spell at Sheffield United in the English Championship.

Bindon, whose mum Jenny has travelled to two Women's World Cups, had a rough start to life in the English second tier, infamous for its physicality. He found his feet, however, playing 26 games for the Blades and netting a goal.

Finn Surman of New Zealand, New Zealand All Whites v Chile, FIFA series men’s international football match at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand on Monday 30 March 2026.

Also likely to be at the back is 22-year-old Finn Surman, currently playing for the Portland Timbers in MLS. Surman, who only started playing football at 10, has become a star player for the Oregon side, cementing himself as a reliable defender and a fan favourite.

Another expected to be on the squad is 23-year-old Jesse Randall, who will be packing his bags for Scotland next season when he moves to Dundee United.

 The All Whites' Jesse Randall.

Randall has been a standout player for Auckland FC in the A-League this year, netting nine goals and assisting in seven. His burst in form has put him on the map as one of New Zealand's most promising footballers.

Goalkeeper Alex Paulsen is coming to the end of his first season on loan with Polish outfit Lechia Gdańsk, starting 23 games for the Ekstraklasa club. While the team is fighting to avoid relegation, the spell has been a valuable experience for Paulsen, which showed when he played in the All Whites' 4-1 demolition of Chile in March, making some difficult saves.

Goalkeeper Alex Paulsen of New Zealand, New Zealand All Whites v Chile, FIFA series men’s international football match at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand on Monday 30 March 2026.

He's not likely to start at the tournament, but will make a good backup for Max Crocombe. Auckland FC goalkeeper Michael Woud could also expect a call-up, but has competition from Huddersfield Town's Nik Tzanev.

Competition for places

Domestically – especially among defenders – there's a bit more competition.

The A-League is a good launching point for young Kiwis and a home for veterans.

Bindon and Surman are almost certain to be in the World Cup squad, as well as the experienced Liberato Cacace and Tim Payne, so Bazeley won't be unhappy with the options at hand.

Francis De Vries of New Zealand and Oscar Bobb of Norway

In Auckland FC's camp, both Callan Elliot and Francis de Vries have had strong seasons, with Elliot spending the late season in the starting back line after de Vries was injured in the All Whites' game against Finland. Also in the mix at the back is Nando Pijnaker, who has been in recent All Whites squads.

Defenders and experienced All Whites Bill Tuiloma and Tim Payne, both at the Phoenix, also have a strong case for why they should be in the team. A wildcard at the back is All Whites legend and current Braintree Town defender Tommy Smith. Smith joined Wood at the 2010 edition and would also provide a wealth of knowledge for younger players.

In the midfield, Newcastle Jets midfielder Lachlan Bayliss would be hoping for a second call-up after an impressive trophy-winning season.

Watch the All Whites' FIFA World Cup and warmup matches live and free on TVNZ+

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