2026 world cup: New Zealand inches closer to knockout stage despite ‘disappointing’ result

The All Whites’ head coach, Darren Bazeley, struck an upbeat tone after the team’s latest outing, stressing that a single victory would secure their place in the knockout rounds. “We’re still just one match away from making history,” he declared. “Now, we must beat Belgium on Friday.”

Reflecting on his squad’s performance, Bazeley acknowledged the fine line between progress and disappointment. “We know we need to beat Belgium. It’s a strong side, but if we can replicate the intensity we showed against Iran and Egypt, we have a real chance. The task is clear: beat Belgium,” he emphasized during a post-match press briefing.

His frustration was palpable when discussing the narrow loss to Egypt. “That was a game we should have won. It stings to fall short like that. We were dominant in the first half—controlling possession, playing comfortable football. But in the second, we couldn’t maintain our rhythm or quality. Egypt stepped up their intensity, played very well, and it’s incredibly frustrating.”

“We were pleased at halftime but never declared victory prematurely. We faced challenges with crosses and quick transitions,” he admitted, until the Pharaohs turned the tables. “Everyone is devastated and frustrated. It hurts to see another team celebrating on the pitch. We led in both our first two matches and had clear chances—we just need to convert them. Anything can happen when the margin is a single goal,” he concluded.