Chris Wood has been appointed captain of New Zealand's national football team for the FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico starting next month. The All Whites, currently ranked 85th in the FIFA rankings, are determined to achieve their first-ever victory in the tournament. Wood, who has scored 45 goals in 88 international matches, expressed excitement about the opportunity to create history with his teammates. New Zealand's previous World Cup appearances in 1982 and 2010 saw them fail to secure a win, with their best result being three draws in 2010. The team will begin their campaign against Iran on June 15 in Los Angeles, followed by matches against Egypt and Belgium. Coach Darren Bazeley highlighted the significance of veteran defender Tommy Smith, who brings leadership and experience to the squad. New Zealand earned their World Cup spot by winning the Oceania qualifying series in March, showcasing their potential to compete against stronger teams.