Newcastle's Bayliss earns selection in Wood-led All Whites World Cup squad

At present competing with Braintree Town in Englands fifth division, defender Smith has not appeared for the All Whites since 2024, yet he links up with skipper and 2010 teammate Chris Wood in the 26 player lineup for the finals running from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Smiths inclusion could divide opinions back in New Zealand, but coach Bazeley relies on the 36 year olds expertise and guidance to impact the All Whites third World Cup outing, marking their return after a 16 year absence.

Born in Australia, Bayliss has enjoyed a standout campaign with the Newcastle Jets, aiding the onetime A League underperformers to advance to the semi finals.

The 23 year old, who featured at the Paris Olympics, secures his spot just two months following his debut call up to the New Zealand team for domestic matches versus Chile and Finland.

He integrates into a seasoned midfield group that features Joe Bell, Marko Stamenic, and Ryan Thomas.

New Zealand faces Iran, Egypt, and Belgium in the group phase, aiming for their inaugural World Cup victory after failing to reach the knockouts in 2010 with three consecutive stalemates.

Defender Liberato Cacace makes the cut despite a season marred by injuries at Welsh side Wrexham, alongside Auckland FCs Francis de Vries, who has missed the past five weeks due to a calf injury.

Michael Woud claims a position as the third keeper, following Max Crocombe and Alex Paulsen.

We certainly have strong options in our player pool to choose from, Bazeley remarked to journalists at Eden Park.

The recent week proved tough, involving many hard discussions.

Delivering news to players and disappointing them has been particularly demanding.

Forward Wood, New Zealands leading marksman, assumes the captaincy role after a tough, injury affected year with Nottingham Forest in England.

It will be a tremendous honour to lead the team as captain at this World Cup, and with luck, forge some memorable moments, stated the 34 year old via video during the squad announcement.

Wood anticipates contributions in attack from Callum McCowatt, Jesse Randall, and Ben Waine.

Winger Kosta Barbarouses gains selection notwithstanding a lacklustre term at A League outfit Western Sydney Wanderers, the 36 year old finally included after being overlooked for the 2010 tournament.

It marks a prolonged path for the 74 capped Barbarouses, who endured three unsuccessful qualification bids and received a red card for a reckless foul in a 1 0 playoff loss to Costa Rica, dashing New Zealands chances for Qatar 2022.

New Zealand FIFA World Cup squad:

Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe (Millwall FC), Alex Paulsen (Lechia Gdansk), Michael Woud (Auckland FC)

Defenders: Tyler Bindon (Nottingham Forest), Michael Boxall (Minnesota United FC), Liberato Cacace (Wrexham AFC), Francis de Vries (Auckland FC), Callan Elliot (Auckland FC), Tim Payne (Wellington Phoenix), Nando Pijnaker (Auckland FC), Tommy Smith (Braintree Town), Finn Surman (Portland Timbers)

Midfielders: Lachlan Bayliss (Newcastle Jets), Joe Bell (Viking FK), Matt Garbett (Peterborough United), Ben Old (AS Saint-Etienne), Alex Rufer (Wellington Phoenix), Sarpreet Singh (Wellington Phoenix), Marko Stamenic (Swansea City), Ryan Thomas (PEC Zwolle)

Forwards: Kosta Barbarouses (Western Sydney Wanderers), Elijah Just (Motherwell FC), Callum McCowatt (Silkeborg IF), Jesse Randall (Auckland FC), Ben Waine (Port Vale FC), Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)