Nottingham Forest’s in-form striker Chris Wood is aiming to make history with New Zealand at the 2026 World Cup, as the team seeks to secure qualification from the Oceania region.
New Zealand, the favorites to progress, are looking to make their mark at the tournament for only the third time in history, having previously appeared in 1982 and 2010 without winning a single match in six attempts.
As the captain of the team, Wood is confident that this squad has what it takes to change that narrative. “Our objective is to win a game and advance out of the group stages,” the 33-year-old stated in an interview with Radio New Zealand. “The team is growing stronger, with players showcasing their skills in top leagues.”
Wood has been on fire this season, scoring 18 goals in the Premier League and propelling Forest to an unexpected third-place position, potentially securing a spot in the prestigious Champions League.
Key players for New Zealand based in Europe include Marko Stamenic (Olympiacos), Tyler Bindon (Reading), and Matt Garbett (Breda).
With the World Cup expanding to 48 teams, Oceania is guaranteed an automatic spot. New Zealand’s path to qualification includes a crucial match against Fiji on Friday followed by a decisive qualifier against either New Caledonia or Tahiti on Monday.
“This is one of the strongest teams we’ve ever had,” Wood, who has scored 41 goals in 80 appearances for his country, emphasized. “But we need to prove it on the field, and qualifying for the World Cup is the ultimate test.”
The journey to the 2026 World Cup holds great promise for New Zealand, with Chris Wood leading the charge towards a historic achievement on the global stage.
