New Zealand FIFA World Cup

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New Zealand's national football team, known as the All Whites, made their FIFA World Cup debut in 1982, held in Spain. This marked a historic moment for the nation, as it was their first qualification for the tournament. During the 1982 World Cup, New Zealand faced strong opponents and, despite their determination, could not advance beyond the group stage.​​

The All Whites returned to the global stage in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. In this tournament, New Zealand achieved a remarkable feat by remaining unbeaten throughout the group stage. They secured draws against Slovakia, Paraguay, and notably held the defending champions, Italy, to a 1-1 draw. Despite their undefeated record, the team did not progress to the knockout rounds due to goal differences. This performance, however, earned them respect on the international stage.​​

In the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, New Zealand came close to securing a spot in Qatar but were narrowly defeated by Costa Rica in the intercontinental playoff, losing 1-0. This result was a disappointment for the team, as they missed out on qualification for the third consecutive time.​​

Looking ahead to the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, New Zealand has qualified. With the tournament's expansion to 48 teams, Oceania's top team is guaranteed a direct spot, providing a favorable opportunity for the All Whites. Under the guidance of coach Darren Bazeley and with key players like captain Chris Wood, who has been instrumental in their qualifying campaign, New Zealand aims to build on their past experiences and strive for greater success on the world stage.​