Sports
When will we see a 70-yard field goal? NFL kickers have gotten so good, it may be this year
Fifty is the new 30, and we’re not talking about age.
NFL kickers have improved significantly in recent years. It’s felt as obvious as ever this season, but the numbers have validated the eye test.
Through the first six weeks of the season, we have seen all-time highs in 50-plus-yard field-goal attempts (103), along with makes (77) and conversion rate (74.8 percent). Since 2019, kickers have nearly doubled their attempts from 50-plus (55) and tripled their makes (29) in the opening six weeks.
Looking at it another way, kickers are as good now from 50-plus as they were from any distance in a single season prior to 1993, which was the first season in history when teams cumulatively converted at least 75 percent of their field goals.
60-yarders have become more weaponized, too. Since 1960, there have been 40 successful field goals of at least 60 yards. An astonishing 33 of those (82.5 percent) have occurred since 2009, and half have come since 2019.
Dialing up the long ball
| 1960-2018 | 2019-2024 | |
|---|---|---|
|
60-plus FG att. |
139 |
53 |
|
60-plus FG makes |
20 |
20 |
|
60-plus FG make % |
14.4% |
38% |
With one more 60-yard boot this season, it’ll be the fourth consecutive year with at least four such field goals. Before this stretch, the previous high in a single season was three in 2012, and there were only four other seasons with two total 60-yarders (2006, 2013, 2017, 2018).
John Carney, who kicked in the NFL from 1987-2010, opened Carney Coaching in California after his retirement to train specialists, so he has seen the kicking boom from two unique perspectives. He is adamant this is no fluke, and that kicking will continue to improve across the board.
“I’m excited to see where that’s going to go,” Carney said.
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey, who trains with Carney, has made three from 60-plus since December, including a 65-yarder in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens. Aubrey was prepared to attempt a 71-yarder in the regular-season opener against the Cleveland Browns before head coach Mike McCarthy changed his mind — drawing boos from Browns fans who wanted to see Aubrey shatter Justin Tucker’s 66-yard record. (It’s worth noting Aubrey hit a 66-yarder in a preseason game.)
65-yard field goal from Brandon Aubrey 😱
The second longest field goal in NFL history 👏 pic.twitter.com/CcXC8j2gF0
— Sky Sports NFL (@SkySportsNFL) September 22, 2024
It’s still probably just a matter of time.
“At some point, someone is going to hit a 70-yarder,” said a longtime special teams coordinator, who was granted anonymity to speak freely on the intricacies of improved kicking.
There are myriad reasons behind the kicking explosion, from training to equipment and even networking. It’s why this trend is viewed as more of a launching point than the destination.
GO DEEPER
Cowboys’ second-year kicker Brandon Aubrey performing on a ‘different level’
Carney, who retired with the third most points in league history, has had a firsthand look at NFL kicking for nearly four decades. After retirement, he still trained with longtime kicker Nick Folk and punter Steve Weatherford in his garage, but he decided to open a larger operation in a blue-collar, warehouse-style gym for high school, college and pro kickers. His NFL clientele has included Aubrey, Younghoe Koo, Tyler Bass and Jason Sanders, among others, so he has experience training some of the game’s best.
The improvements at the position have started with coaching. There used to be minimal specialized coaches for amateur kickers, and the NFL devoted a fraction of the resources to the position. Now, athletes at all levels can find private coaches, offseason programs and camps as well as coaches like Carney who can keep them sharp year-round — whether they’re refining their mechanics or trying to stay in shape while circling the free-agent workout circuit.
And then there’s the technology. For starters, kickers can blast their workouts all over social media. That might sound mundane in this day and age, but it’s important for coaches — private, college or professional — who can watch a player with a click and determine whether he’s worth a longer look. That’s exponentially widened the available talent pool. And more specific to in-house tech, kickers have appreciated the chance to slow down the replays of their kicks, frame by frame, to understand where they can find technical improvements.
The individual equipment is wildly superior, too. Kickers used to wear cleats made from kangaroo leather, but they’ve since moved to synthetic leather that doesn’t stretch, feels more lightweight with more support and has a better lace pattern and with the traction to improve grip.
The footballs themselves have also played an integral role. Since the NFL has allowed more time for teams to condition the K-balls — balls only used for kicking — before games, kickers have been able to specify them to their liking. It’s far more conducive to success than essentially pulling a new ball out of a plastic bag and hoping for the best.
“The product is finally at a condition and a state that it was intended to be at for kicking and punting, which is not to take away anything from these kickers,” Carney said. “These kickers and punters are sensational these days. I’m not saying they have a juiced ball so anybody can do this. That’s not it. These guys are phenomenal. But you’re not going to tell me a Morten Andersen, a (Sebastian) Janikowski or a Jason Hanson — with their leg strength, capability and talent — that they wouldn’t be bombing some of these balls, as well. The ball is a factor, 100 percent.”
These kickers also have networks of resources. First, the special teams coordinator said so many kickers have maintained close relationships that they can call or text each other before the season or a game to gain a better understanding of the elements and conditions at each stadium.
Second, there’s a coaching tree of sorts. If an NFL or college coach is looking for a kicker — recruit, transfer portal, draft, free-agent workout — they can contact a specialized trainer for a recommendation.
Carney has his established track record. Jamie Kohl, a private trainer and current consultant with the Carolina Panthers, has become one of the most reliable resources for coaches. For those looking for an Australian flavor, they surely know Nathan Chapman.
Essentially, it’s become like any other successful business entity. If a coach trusts a trainer to provide an accurate assessment of a kicker, they’ll continue to return for more recommendations.
“It’s like buying something online,” the coordinator said.
Let’s not bypass the biggest factor in the kicking boom. Like any other position or major sport, players are far superior athletes nowadays.
Nowadays, trainers understand strength work extends far beyond squats and the bench press. Kickers need to work on explosiveness, balance, agility, mobility, flexibility and range of motion. Trainers like Carney ensure their athletes focus on exercises like jumping vertically, laterally and horizontally while mixing in enough plyometrics and hip flexors. Balance is also paramount to performance.
And there’s the recovery aspect. Carney laughed at the notion that they basically had a cold tank and a hot pool. Now, they’ve got compression booths, cryotherapy, float tanks, Theraguns and compression shorts that will increase post-workout circulation while flushing out lactic acids. Add targeted supplements and science-based diets, and athletes have a literal recipe to increasing production.
“In the last 10 years, the amount of attention that goes to recovery has tripled compared to where I was at in the NFL,” Carney said. “These are all things that continue to evolve and push the athletes to new levels.”
Aubrey has quickly become the NFL’s newest sensation. He led the league with 36 field goals (on 38 attempts) last season as a rookie, and he’s off to an NFL-best 17-of-19 in 2024. Aubrey is 18-of-19 from 50-plus, including 8-of-9 this season.
He has an esteemed soccer background, playing at Notre Dame before a stint in the MLS. After a few years of training and a successful showing in the United States Football League combine, Aubrey got a shot with the Birmingham Stallions and parlayed it into a look with the Cowboys.
Brandon Aubrey was a first-round MLS draft pick in 2017. Now he’s the kicker for the Dallas Cowboys.
What happened?
Let @DMRussini explain ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/ITsAijjMlE
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 11, 2023
Both Carney and the special teams coordinator noted that it typically takes a few years for kickers to break into the NFL. There’s such a demand for consistency that someone like Aubrey would never crack into the league on skill alone.
But what about the soccer background? Can teams copycat the Aubrey strategy?
“He’s a special case, to be honest with you,” Carney said. “He’s not just your average soccer player, obviously pretty darn talented who was always known to have a very strong leg on the pitch. But there’s more to the equation. He became very passionate about football. He sought out good coaching. He was patient.
“He’s made a huge splash in the NFL. I’m excited for him. The NFL is excited for him, and it’s great to see. Sure enough, scouts are running to the nearest soccer field right now looking for the next Brandon Aubrey.”
Aubrey isn’t a revelation in the soccer respect. The NFL used to conduct kicking camps in Europe a half century ago, drawing in soccer players like Garo Yepremian. Carney estimated 95 percent of current kickers have a background in soccer, even if they haven’t reached Aubrey’s level at Notre Dame or the MLS.
Tom Dempsey kicked a 63-yard field goal in 1970, and the record stood until Jason Elam tied it in 1998. But because Elam’s boot occurred in the Denver altitude, there was an unofficial asterisk on it.
Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski joined the club in 2011, but his kick also occurred in Denver. Matt Prater hit a 64-yarder in 2012, but that was another Rocky Mountain rocket. Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, typically considered the most physically talented kicker of his generation, finally smashed the mark with a 66-yard boot in 2021 in Detroit.
DID THAT JUST HAPPEN?!?!
JUSTIN TUCKER 66-YARD FIELD GOAL FOR THE WIN! #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/LyHkSUiwk9
— NFL (@NFL) September 26, 2021
For so long, 63 yards was the white whale. It felt like the magical number that couldn’t be surpassed.
Now, with kickers expanding their range at an unprecedented rate, it’s looking like Tucker’s mark is a placeholder. And it might not be more than a footnote shortly thereafter.
“I believe there are kickers right now,” Carney said, “who can make it from 70 if the conditions are right.”
(Photo of Brandon Aubrey: Kevin Jairaj / Imagn Images)
Sports
Thunder lose star Jalen Williams for Western Conference Finals Game 7 as hamstring injury lingers
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Victor Wembanyama scored 28 points and 10 rebounds in the San Antonio Spurs’ 118-91 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 of the WCF. Jason McIntyre says that Wemby showed up in the biggest moments, and asks if he can carry this momentum into Game 7. Plus, he discusses Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s struggles and asks if he will cost the Thunder the series.
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The Oklahoma City Thunder will be shorthanded in Saturday’s pivotal Game 7, as one of Oklahoma’s key contributors has been sidelined with an injury.
OKC guard Jalen Williams has been ruled out for Game 7 with a hamstring issue, ESPN reported on Friday. Williams appeared to aggravate his left hamstring during the Thunder’s 122-113 victory in Game 2. He missed the next three games before returning for Game 6, but logged just 10 minutes off the bench in Oklahoma City’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday, which forced a winner-take-all Game 7.
“He’s obviously not 100%,” Mark Daigneault, the head coach of the Thunder, said.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams watches during the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in Game One of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on May 18, 2026. (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Daigneault applauded Williams for fighting through the injury and doing everything he could to help Oklahoma City.
“He didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know what to expect. So, it was a matter of getting him out there in kind of an insulated role and see what he can bring to the team. He’s an All-Star player, he’s an All-NBA player. He hasn’t done a full return to play [protocol] like he would if this was the regular season, and yet, he just wants to do whatever he can to try to contribute whatever he can to the team.”
BLOCKBUSTER GAME 7 SHOWDOWN: FOUR BEST BETS FOR SAN ANTONIO SPURS AT OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
“I give him a lot of credit to get himself out there. He did the best he could. He’s certainly not the reason we lost.”
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams reacts to a shot by forward Luguentz Dort in the third quarter against the San Antonio Spurs during game one of the Western Conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on May 18, 2026. (Alonzo Adams/Imagn Images)
Williams did not talk to reporters after Thursday’s game in San Antonio.
Williams underwent surgery last offseason to repair a wrist injury but still played a key role in the Thunder’s run to the NBA Finals last season. He appeared in just 33 regular-season games before this year’s playoffs.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams drives into the paint during the first quarter of Game Two of the NBA Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on May 20, 2026. (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
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The winner of Saturday’s Game 7 will advance to the NBA Finals to face the New York Knicks. New York snapped a nearly three-decade Finals drought by sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals.
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CLOVIS — Cool conditions produced a bunch of fast times Friday at the CIF state track and field championships.
Rosary Academy sprint coach Jon Gilmer was worried 4×100-meter relayers Tra’via Flournoy, Justine Wilson, Pfeiffer Lee and Maliyah Collins might get complacent at prelims, but the Royals were the top qualifiers in 45.13 seconds — nearly a full second faster than Canyon Country Canyon (46.07) — at Buchanan High School.
“It’s different not having Calabasas here,” Gilmer said. “Now we’ve got to push ourselves.”
Rosary set a state record (44.23) at the Arcadia Invitational on April 11, but lost to the Coyotes one week later at the Mt. SAC Relays. However, the anticipated state finals clash was not to be as Calabasas dropped the baton in the Southern Section finals and failed to advance.
Collins had a huge lead by the time she received the stick for the anchor leg Friday.
“This is maybe our fourth- or fifth-fastest time but we just wanted to make finals,” said Wilson, who ran the second leg before handing off to Lee. “We want to run faster tomorrow when we go for a PR, the meet and the state record.”
Calabasas might be out of the relay, but three Coyotes remain in contention in the 100, led by Malia Rainey (the top qualifier in 11.54), Marley Scoggins (11.63) and Olivia Kirk (11.63).
Calabasas sprinter Marley Scoggins, center, wins her 100-meter heat at the CIF state track and field preliminaries on Friday.
(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)
Collins won her heat in 11.62, the third-fastest time.
Servite won the first heat in the boys 4×100 relay in 40.29 — two hundredths off its winning time at last year’s state finals — and is primed to defend its title in the event. Concord De La Salle (40.81) was the second-fastest qualifier, followed by the other heat winners, Rancho Cucamonga (40.87) and Loyola (40.93).
“We got the stick around pretty good today,” said Jorden Wells, who ran the first leg Friday instead of his customary second leg, which was run by Jaelen Hunter. “Did it feel different? Not really, I’ve done it before.”
Wells said his twin brother Jace will run the first leg Saturday, he will run the second while Kamil Pelovello and Benjamin Harris will stay in the third and fourth positions.
Harris, the favorite to win the 100 meters, won his heat in a wind-legal 10.36, but three others were fractions faster in wind-aided times — Elk Grove’s Cy Lugo (10.20), Will Wood’s Deshawn Seymour (10.34) and De La Salle’s Damari Dean (10.34). Newbury Park’s Jaden Griffin won the last heat in 10.37, setting the stage for an exciting finals sprint as all nine qualifiers ran under 10.48.
Harris put himself in position for a Saturday double by winning his 200 heat in 21.10 but as he did in the 100, Lugo (the Sac-Joaquin Section record holder) had the fastest time (20.73), followed by Seymour (20.88), Camren Hughes (20.93) of Palos Verdes and Jace Wells (21.02). Jordan Wells (21.11) also made the cut.
Newbury Park’s Jaden Griffin, center, shouts after winning his heat in the 100 meters at the CIF state track and field preliminaries on Friday.
(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)
Servite (3:15.43) had the second-fastest qualifying time in the 4×400-meter relay behind only El Cerrito (3:14.96) of the North Coast Section.
Coming off a state-record 3:33.83 at the Masters Meet in Moorpark, Long Beach Wilson’s 4×400 girls relay had the fourth-fastest qualifying time (3:46.73) without two out of its best runners (Clara Adams and Saniah Varnado), taking second in the first heat behind San Luis Obispo (3:45.85) and safely advancing to the finals along with Heat 2 runner-up Rosary (3:45.08) and Heat 3 winner Canyon Country Canyon (3:46.77).
Having broken the Southern Section record in the 400 meters six days earlier in 51.98, Adams put it in cruise control to win her heat in 53.53, the fastest qualifying mark. Joining her in the final will be her three relay teammates Varnado (54.42), Wilson (54.57) and Fowler (54.62). Adams later won her 200 heat in 23.60, a tenth of a second behind fastest qualifier Naiaja Sizemore of Vanden.
San Jacinto Valley Academy’s Kaahliyah Lacy ran a wind-legal 13.59 for the top qualifying spot in the girls 100 hurdles and Varnado (40.85) was the top qualifier in the 300 hurdles.
Another showdown is brewing in the boys 400, where Loyola’s Ejam Yohannes (47.08) and Hunter (47.21) won their heats in the two fastest times Friday. Hunter clocked 46.32 to set a California freshman record last spring, but lost to Yohannes by 11 hundredths of a second at the Masters Meet.
City Section champion Jayden Rendon showed good form in his bid to defend the state 300 hurdles crown, posting the fastest prelims time (36.80). He also advanced to the finals in the 110 hurdles with a 13.83 effort. Moorpark’s Davis Benson (14.03) nabbed the last spot.
Corona Santiago’s Braelyn Combe, right, wins the first heat of the 800 meters at the CIF state track and field preliminaries on Friday.
(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)
Corona Santiago senior Braelyn Combe won her 1,600 heat in 4:46.88 and is set for a four-lap battle with San Diego Section champion Chiara Dailey of La Jolla, who won the second heat in 4:46.00. Combe is the defending champion, having edged Hanne Thomsen of Santa Rosa Montgomery by five hundredths of a second in the finals last year.
“I just wanted to advance with as little effort as possible,” Combe said. “It was not as hard as I expected. I don’t want to leave any regrets. I’m taking it one race at a time.”
Combe also had the fastest time (2:08:25) of three heats in the 800 meters.
Venice senior Lawrence Kensinger, who set the City Section shot put record with a state-leading throw of 65 feet 11 inches last week, had the third-best mark at prelims (59-6¾) and easily advanced to the finals. Defending state high jump champion JJ Harel of Sherman Oaks Notre Dame tied nine others for the second-best mark (6-6) heading into the second day.
Aliso Niguel senior Jaslene Massey had the top marks in the girls shot put (51-3¾) and discus (175-6) and transgender athlete AB Hernandez from Jurupa Valley was the leading qualifier in the girls long jump (20-5½) and triple jump (41-8½) and was one of 13 qualifiers in the high jump.
AB Hernandez competes at the CIF state track and field preliminaries at Buchanan High School on Friday.
(Tomas Ovalle / For The Times)
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We’re approaching the biggest sporting event North America has ever hosted.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place across the USA, Canada and Mexico in 13 days.
Bettors and fans already have their sights set on the global spectacle, which will kick off on June 11. The World Cup final will be held at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026.
After the World Cup groups were announced in December, Spain opened as the favorite at +450, followed by England (+550) and France (+750).
Now, with less than two weeks to go, Spain has slightly drifted to +475, with both France and England making up ground on the oddsboard.
Let’s dive into the odds via DraftKings Sportsbook as of May 29.
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2026 World Cup winner odds
Spain: +475 (bet $10 to win $57.5 total)
France: +500 (bet $10 to win $60 total)
England: +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)
Brazil: +850 (bet $10 to win $95 total)
Argentina: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
Portugal: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
Germany: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
Netherlands: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)
Norway: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Belgium: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Colombia: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)
Morocco: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Uruguay: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
United States: +6000 (bet $10 to win $610 total)
Switzerland: +6500 (bet $10 to win $660 total)
Japan: +6500 (bet $10 to win $660 total)
Mexico: +8000 (bet $10 to win $810 total)
Croatia: +8000 (bet $10 to win $810 total)
Ecuador: +8000 (bet $10 to win $810 total)
Senegal: +9000 (bet $10 to win $910 total)
Sweden: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
HOST NATIONS
United States
The United States is led by Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, and Chris Richards, with several players competing in Europe’s top leagues. The U.S. has appeared in 11 previous World Cups, with its best finish coming in 1930 when the team reached the semifinals.
Canada
Canada’s key players include Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, giving the squad top-tier pace and goal-scoring ability. Canada has made two previous World Cup appearances, and is still looking for its first win ever in the tournament.
Mexico
Mexico’s top contributors include Raul Giménez and Edson Álvarez, forming a strong mix of attacking talent and midfield stability. Mexico has played in 17 previous World Cups and reached the quarterfinals twice, in 1970 and 1986.
UEFA TEAMS TO KNOW
Spain
Spain’s top talents include Pedri, Lamine Yamal and Rodri, forming a core that blends elite playmaking with scoring depth. Spain has appeared in 16 previous World Cups and won the tournament once, lifting the trophy in 2010. The team also won the 2024 Euros.
France
France enters with Kylian Mbappé as the star player, with the 26-year-old just five goals shy of passing Miroslav Klose (16) for the most career goals at the World Cup. France has made 16 previous World Cup appearances and won the title twice, in 1998 and 2018.
England
England’s key players include Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, forming one of the nation’s strongest generations in decades. England has reached 16 previous World Cups and won the trophy once, in 1966.
Germany
Germany features Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Joshua Kimmich as central figures in a talented squad. Germany has participated in 20 previous World Cups and won four titles, most recently in 2014.
Portugal
Portugal’s top group includes Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, with Cristiano Ronaldo still involved as the team’s all-time leading scorer and cap leader. Portugal has competed in eight previous World Cups and recorded its best finish in 2006, reaching the semifinals.
Netherlands
The Netherlands features top players such as Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Denzel Dumfries, forming a core built around elite defending and midfield control. Memphis Depay should also be on the team, the country’s all-time leading goalscorer. The Netherlands has appeared in 11 previous World Cups and finished as runner-up three times, in 1974, 1978 and 2010.
CONMEBOL TEAMS TO KNOW
Argentina
Argentina is anchored by Lionel Messi, with Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez— headlining one of the most talented rosters in the tournament. Argentina has played in 18 previous World Cups and won three, including the most recent tournament in 2022.
Brazil
Brazil’s roster is led by Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha and Marquinhos, giving the team elite attacking and defensive quality. Brazil has appeared in every World Cup and holds a record five titles, with its most recent one coming in 2002.
Uruguay
Uruguay’s leading players include Federico Valverde, Darwin Núñez and Ronald Araújo, forming a core with elite midfield range and speed. Uruguay has appeared in 14 previous World Cups and won the tournament twice, in 1930 and 1950.
Colombia
Colombia is headlined by Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez, with the former playing for Bayern Munich and the latter having a decorated World Cup résumé. Colombia has made six previous World Cupsand recorded its best finish in 2014, reaching the quarterfinals.
CAF TEAMS TO KNOW
Morocco
Morocco’s key contributors include Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazaroui and Brahm Díaz, each with major European club experience. Morocco has appeared in six previous World Cups and achieved its historic best finish in 2022, reaching the semifinals.
Senegal
Senegal’s top players include Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gueye, forming one of Africa’s most experienced cores. Senegal has appeared in three World Cups and reached its best finish in 2002, advancing to the quarterfinals.
Ghana
Ghana is led by Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams, giving the squad strong playmaking and midfield presence. Ghana has competed in four previous World Cups and reached its best result in 2010, making the quarterfinals.
AFC TEAMS TO KNOW
South Korea
South Korea is headlined by Son Heung-min, supported by key players such as Kim Min-jae and Lee Kang-in. South Korea has played in 11 previous World Cups and reached its best finish in 2002, advancing to the semifinals as co-host.
Japan
Japan features Takefusa Kubo and Kaoru Mitoma as its leading players, blending top European experience with emerging talent. Japan has appeared in seven previous World Cups and reached the Round of 16 four times, its best result to date.
Australia
Australia’s top players include Jackson Irvine and keeper Mathew Ryan as its most experienced members. Australia has competed in six previous World Cups and reached the round of 16 twice, in 2006 and 2022.
OFC TEAMS TO KNOW
New Zealand
New Zealand is led by all-time leading scorer Chris Wood, with 45 international goals to his name. New Zealand has appeared in two previous World Cups (1982, 2010), and did not advance from the group stage in either appearance.
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