Braintree Town’s Tommy Smith called up to New Zealand World Cup 2026 squad

Braintree Town defender Tommy Smith will head to the 2026 World Cup after earning a recall to the New Zealand national football team squad.

The 36-year-old centre-back, who spent the season with the Iron in the National League, was named in Darren Bazeley’s 26-man squad for this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico alongside captain Chris Wood.

Smith’s inclusion comes despite not playing for his country since 2024.

He was part of the Braintree squad that suffered relegation this season to the National League South.

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Landmark moment

The veteran defender started all three matches during New Zealand’s unbeaten campaign at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and now looks set to become one of the first New Zealand players to appear at two men’s World Cups.

Nottingham Forest striker Wood is the only other member of that 2010 squad included this summer.

Smith joined Braintree last summer following spells with Auckland FC and Macarthur FC and brought extensive experience from a career that has included stints with Ipswich Town, Colorado Rapids and Colchester United.

His call-up also represents a landmark moment for Braintree, with the Essex club set to have a current player involved at a World Cup for the first time in their history.

Compensation

The club celebrated the announcement on social media: “Our defender gets the call up to the All Whites National Team for this summer’s World Cup and will be the first time ever that a Braintree Town player will be representing his country at the World Cup while playing for the club. Best of luck Tommy!”

Smith’s inclusion could also bring a significant financial boost.

Under FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme, clubs receive compensation for players involved at the World Cup, with reports suggesting Braintree could receive a six-figure payment even if New Zealand exit at the group stage.

New Zealand will face Iran, Egypt and Belgium in Group G as they attempt to reach the knockout stages for the first time.

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