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Veteran Tommy Smith Makes NZ World Cup Squad

6/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Tommy Smith has been named to New Zealand’s 26-man World Cup squad for the tournament in the United States.
The defender will play in his second World Cup, sixteen years after his first, and says it will be his final tournament.
New Zealand will open Group G against Iran in Los Angeles on 16 June.
The team will play a warm-up match versus Haiti at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium on Wednesday.

History

Historical Context

In 1982 the All Whites, led by captain Steve Sumner, became the first Oceanian side to reach a FIFA World Cup, qualifying after a 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia and a play-off victory over China. Their breakthrough paved the way for the unbeaten 2010 squad and today’s veteran defender Tommy Smith, returning to the U.S. for his second World Cup, echoing that pioneering legacy.

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Story summary

Tommy Smith has been named to New Zealand’s 26-man World Cup squad for the tournament in the United States.
The defender will play in his second World Cup, sixteen years after his first, and says it will be his final tournament.
New Zealand will open Group G against Iran in Los Angeles on 16 June.
The team will play a warm-up match versus Haiti at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium on Wednesday.

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