All Whites chase historic first World Cup win after 4-1 Chile send-off | OneFootball

New Zealand, the World Cup’s lowest-ranked team at 85th, head to their third finals chasing a first-ever win. A 4-1 send-off against 10-man Chile in Auckland delivered their first win over South American opposition at the 20th attempt.

“It’s a challenge,” said head coach Darren Bazeley. “We’re going to be the lowest-ranked team at the tournament and, like we saw against Finland, it’s hard.” He was speaking to The Athletic.

Three days earlier they lost 2-0 to Finland. Preparation has been patchy, with Europe-based call-ups limited, nine from the A-League and eight at Aotearoa clubs. Captain Chris Wood of Nottingham Forest remained absent as he continues his return from knee surgery, and he is their record scorer with 45 goals.

They qualified in March 2025, four days after Japan, taking Oceania’s sole automatic berth. The All Whites won five from five, scored 29 and conceded one, including an 8-1 win over Vanuatu.

This is their third World Cup. They lost all three in 1982 but scored twice, then in 2010 they were unbeaten with three draws. Group G brings Belgium, Iran and Egypt, with games in Los Angeles and Vancouver, and an opener against Iran on 15 June.

Source: NY Times