New Zealand national football team All Whites have given themselves a chance to make history in the FIFA World Cup 2026 after earning a point in their opener against Iran. Head coach Darren Bazeley said 'we can't let the occasion get too big' and emphasized that 'it's about us winning a game of football'. The All Whites enter Sunday's match against No. 29 Egypt with a chance to move out of the group stage for the first time in their World Cup history. For a nation ranked No. 82, simply getting to the tournament might have been enough, but now New Zealand has set its sights on a historic knockout run. Midfielder Ben Old noted that 'putting ourselves in such a great position – like this opportunity to create history – we know how good we can be'. New Zealand's presence in the tournament is tied directly to the expanded field, with the Oceania Football Confederation earning its first-ever automatic berth. The All Whites claimed the spot through a three-step qualifying process that concluded with a 3–0 win over No. 151 New Caledonia. No. 25 Australia, once the region's powerhouse, left for the Asian Football Confederation in 2006, leaving New Zealand as the dominant team in the confederation. That imbalance is why region matters so much, with FIFA allocating its 48 places unevenly. Bazeley said 'it's not something for us to be scared about' and emphasized that 'if we're going to win a World Cup, we have to play against top teams and top players and perform well'. New Zealand knows its region cannot sharpen it, so it schedules friendlies against higher-ranked opponents, a strategy that paid off in the opener against Iran. Midfielder Elijah Just scored both goals in the 2-2 draw, matching New Zealand's total goal output in each of its previous World Cup appearances in 1982 and 2010. With two group matches left, New Zealand can break its single-tournament scoring record and chase its first-ever World Cup win. Old said 'we're always used to being the underdogs' and noted that 'we're not afraid to play any of these teams'. The All Whites will look to build on their momentum as they face Egypt on Sunday. New Zealand's historic run has captivated fans, and the team is determined to make the most of its opportunity. As the tournament progresses, the All Whites will face stiff competition, but they are ready to put up a fight. The team's spirit and determination have been evident throughout the tournament, and they will look to carry that momentum forward. The stage is set for a thrilling match against Egypt, and the All Whites are ready to give it their all.