Veteran Tommy Smith Joins Chris Wood in New Zealand’s World Cup Squad for Historic Second Appearance

Braintree Town defender Tommy Smith, 36, has received a surprise call-up to New Zealand’s 2026 World Cup squad, joining Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood. Both players will make history as the first New Zealanders to compete in two men’s World Cups, having previously featured in the 2010 tournament. Wood, recently returned from injury, will captain the squad as they prepare to face Belgium, Egypt, and Iran, along with friendly matches against Haiti and England.