[59663] New Zealand national team announces final squad ahead of the meeting with Iran in the World Cup

New Zealand prepares for the World Cup: Squad released for the match against Iran

Ahead of the opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the New Zealand national team has unveiled its final 26-man squad. The reports come from several Iranian sports channels, including کانال هواداران استقلال, آخرین خبر ورزشی, and آخرین خبر, which highlight the importance of the meeting with Iran on June 16 (the 26th of Khordad in the Persian calendar).

In the report by کانال هواداران استقلال, it was noted that coach Darren Bazeley chose to include the star and captain Chris Wood, the Nottingham Forest striker, in the squad despite a recent injury. The channel described the announcement as an "Amadeh-Bash" (readiness/alert) of the New Zealanders ahead of the big tournament.

The Iranian news agency IRNA also confirmed the details, noting that Wood will continue to lead the team as captain. Additionally, channels such as Summary | خلاصه فوتبال and کانال فوتبال برتر ࡆ لیگ برتر 360 emphasized Wood's strength in the New Zealand team's attacking line, Iran's opponent in the group stage.

The squad includes 26 players carefully selected by the New Zealand professional staff, with expectations in Iran ahead of the meeting with the Pacific team being high, as reflected in the intensive coverage by the Iranian media, which views New Zealand as a significant opponent in the early stages of the tournament.