Chris Wood — New Zealand World Cup 2026 Squad

Career Highlights

Chris Wood is the all-time leading goalscorer for New Zealand with 32 goals in 114 appearances, a remarkable record for a player from a nation with limited competitive fixtures. He captained New Zealand at the 2010 FIFA World Cup as a teenager, becoming the youngest Kiwi to appear at the tournament. Wood has scored goals in four different top-flight European leagues and became the first New Zealander to score a Premier League hat-trick, achieving the feat for Burnley against West Ham in 2018. His 2024-25 season at Nottingham Forest has been the most productive of his Premier League career.

Club Career

Wood began his professional career at West Bromwich Albion before productive loan spells at Barnsley, Brighton, Birmingham City, and Bristol City earned him a move to Leicester City. He truly found his feet at Burnley, where Sean Dyche built a system around his physical presence and aerial ability. Wood scored ten or more Premier League goals in three consecutive seasons at Turf Moor. A move to Newcastle United in 2022 was less fruitful, but a transfer to Nottingham Forest revived his career. Under Nuno Espírito Santo, Wood has rediscovered his clinical edge, reaching double figures in the 2024-25 campaign and becoming a fan favourite at the City Ground.

International Career & World Cup History

Wood debuted for New Zealand as a 17-year-old in 2009 and was part of the 2010 World Cup squad that went unbeaten in South Africa, drawing all three group matches. He has been the team's talisman for over a decade, scoring crucial goals in OFC Nations Cup and World Cup qualifying campaigns. Despite New Zealand's limited pathway to World Cups through the Oceania confederation, Wood's 114 caps demonstrate extraordinary commitment to international football. His 32 international goals include several against higher-ranked opponents in friendlies and intercontinental playoffs.

World Cup 2026 Outlook

As a co-host nation, New Zealand will have automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, meaning Wood could become the rare player to appear at World Cups 16 years apart. At 34, he will likely be the squad's senior figure and primary attacking threat. His hold-up play and aerial dominance remain effective even as his pace declines, and his experience in high-pressure Premier League matches could prove invaluable for a New Zealand side that will rely on defensive solidity and set-piece opportunities.