New Zealand make their third World Cup appearance, having previously competed in 1982 and 2010. The All Whites earned their place through the Oceania qualifying route and arrive with a squad built around players competing in European and Australian leagues. They are in Group G at BC Place in Vancouver, facing Egypt and Belgium among their group stage opponents. New Zealand play organized, physical football with a determination that has made them competitive at previous tournaments despite the scale of their football program. The All Whites carry the flag for Oceania football and compete with the spirit that defines their national sporting culture.
New Zealand booked their World Cup place with a 3-0 win over New Caledonia in the OFC qualifying final, returning to the tournament for the third time after previous appearances in 1982 and 2010.