Chris Wood
New ZealandForwardNottinghamChris Wood goes into World Cup 2026 as a forward with tournament responsibility for New Zealand. He brings 88 caps and 45 goals into the tournament. Nottingham provides his recent club rhythm before the tournament. The focus is first touch near goal, separation in the box and work against centre-backs.
Group G
Jun 15, 2026vs IR Iran - 6:00 PM PDT
Quick Facts
Chris Wood and New Zealand World Cup 2026 Squad
New Zealand selected Chris Wood for World Cup 2026 with a clear football task. As a forward, he can pull defenders away from the box, arrive for low crosses and keep pressure on clearances.
Wood is part of a group of 4 forwards, so the opponent and match state can affect his minutes.
International Record
Chris Wood brings 88 caps and 45 goals into the tournament.
Wood's senior international timeline dates back to 2009, which gives the record more weight than a simple squad listing.
International Record
- International record: Chris Wood enters the tournament with 88 caps and 45 goals for New Zealand.
- World Cup 2026 role: New Zealand list Chris Wood as a forward, with minutes linked to form, workload and game state.
- Group opponents: New Zealand face IR Iran, Egypt and Belgium in the group stage.
Playing Style and Strengths
Wood's World Cup value starts with first touch near goal, separation in the box and work against centre-backs.
Wood's touches around the area have to be clean because World Cup chances rarely stay open for long.
- Clinical finishing
- Penalty-area movement
- Near-post runs
- Pressing angles
- Center-back duels
- Rebound reactions
World Cup 2026 Fixtures
New Zealand start against IR Iran on 15 June 2026 in Los Angeles. For Wood, the first match is a direct test of match rhythm and role clarity.
Egypt follow on 21 June 2026 in Vancouver. For Wood, the second fixture can quickly change the selection picture if the opener leaves New Zealand chasing points or protecting workload.
| Kickoff | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 15, 20266:00 PM PDT | IR Iran | Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles |
| Jun 21, 20266:00 PM PDT |  Egypt | BC Place Vancouver, Vancouver |
| Jun 26, 20268:00 PM PDT |  Belgium | BC Place Vancouver, Vancouver |
Dates and kickoff times above are shown in the venue timezone.
Recent Form
Chris Wood played 15 Premier League matches for Nottingham in 2025/26, scoring 3 goals and providing 0 assists.
Wood's latest checked appearance came on June 3, 2026, with 64 minutes in Haiti versus New Zealand.
Career Stats
Chris Wood brings 88 caps and 45 goals into the tournament.
For New Zealand, the numbers guide the selection picture, but they do not replace match readiness. The opener still has to fit Wood's form and the opponent's plan.
| Field | Verified value |
|---|---|
| Team | New Zealand |
| Position | Forward |
| Club | Nottingham |
| Caps | 88 |
| Goals | 45 |
| Born | 7 December 1991 |
World Cup 2026 Role
Chris Wood enters World Cup 2026 with New Zealand as a forward. The senior record stands at 88 caps and 45 goals. Match role, form and group-stage needs will shape his minutes.
New Zealand will judge him through training rhythm before the tournament. The useful signs are movement, finishing and pressing from the front.
New Zealand start against IR Iran on Jun 15, 2026 in Los Angeles. Egypt and Belgium come next in the group. The match order can affect workload and selection.
FAQ
Is Chris Wood in the New Zealand World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes. Chris Wood is in New Zealand's World Cup 2026 squad in the checked player data.
What position does Chris Wood play?
He is listed as a forward for New Zealand.
How many international caps and goals does Chris Wood have?
He enters World Cup 2026 with 88 caps and 45 goals for New Zealand.
Who are New Zealand's World Cup 2026 group opponents?
New Zealand face IR Iran, Egypt and Belgium in the group stage.
When is Chris Wood's first World Cup 2026 match?
New Zealand start against IR Iran on 15 June 2026 in Los Angeles.
What is Chris Wood's latest club form?
He plays for Nottingham in the checked player facts.
More New Zealand World Cup 2026 Player Profiles
Explore more New Zealand squad profiles, including teammates who can share minutes, supply service or affect the same match plan.
Group G Table
| # | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belgium | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 2 | Egypt | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| 3 | IR Iran | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 3 | -6 | 1 |