New Zealand coach: We are the lowest-ranked team in World Cup 2026
New Zealand coach Darren Bazely admitted his team faces a tough group at the 2026 World Cup, calling them the lowest-ranked side but aiming for surprises
🌍 Tough World Cup preparation
New Zealand national football team head coach Darren Bazely has admitted that the 2026 World Cup will be a major challenge due to the strength of their opponents ⚽.
The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, hosted jointly by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, featuring 48 teams for the first time in history 🌍🏆.
⚔️ Tough group with Egypt, Belgium and Iran
New Zealand are placed in Group 7 alongside:
Egypt national football team – Belgium national football team – Iran national football team ⚽🔥.
🧠 Coach comments
Bazely said his team is aware of the difficulty of the matches, noting that New Zealand are the lowest-ranked team in the competition compared to their opponents.
He described the group as “strong and high-ranked,” but stressed his side will aim to win every match to fight for qualification 💪.
🔥 Underdog ambition
He added that New Zealand have shown over the past two years their ability to compete with higher-ranked teams, entering the tournament with hopes of causing surprises 🌟.
He concluded by saying the team is excited for the challenge ahead in the World Cup ⚽🏆.
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