Braintree's Smith in New Zealand World Cup squad

"Braintree Town defender Tommy Smith has been named alongside Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood in New Zealand's World Cup squad. Smith, 36, started New Zealand's three group matches when they last competed at the World Cup 16 years ago, but has not played since 2024. Braintree were relegated from the National League this season."

"Smith and 34-year-old Premier League forward Wood, who was also part of that 2010 squad, will become the first New Zealanders to feature at two men's World Cups. In 2010 - competing at a World Cup for only the second time following their 1982 debut - New Zealand drew with Italy, Slovakia and Paraguay but failed to reach the knockout stages."

"They will face Belgium, Egypt and Iran in the group stage of the 2026 tournament, which is being co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July. New Zealand will play England in a friendly in Tampa, Florida, on 6 June, three days after facing Haiti. Wood, who returned in April after six months out with a knee problem that required surgery, will captain the 26-man squad."

Tommy Smith, a 36-year-old Braintree Town defender, has been selected for New Zealand’s 2026 World Cup squad alongside Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood. Smith started all three group matches in New Zealand’s 2010 World Cup campaign but has not played since 2024. Braintree were relegated from the National League this season. Wood, 34, was also part of the 2010 squad and will become the first New Zealanders to feature at two men’s World Cups. New Zealand’s 2010 tournament ended without reaching the knockout stage after draws with Italy, Slovakia, and Paraguay. The 2026 group stage includes Belgium, Egypt, and Iran, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July. New Zealand will play England in Tampa, Florida, on 6 June and face Haiti three days earlier, with Wood captaining the 26-man squad.

Read at www.bbc.com