National League club set for huge World Cup windfall as star defender gets call-up

New Zealand have included a non-league player in their squad for this summer’s World Cup.

Darren Bazeley confirmed his 26-man list of players for the All Whites’ campaign on Thursday.

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Included in the squad is Braintree Town defender Tommy Smith, who joined the National League side on a one-year deal in August.

Smith has two goals in 56 caps for New Zealand, although his last appearance came in September 2024.

The 36-year-old is also a veteran of their last World Cup campaign in 2010.

Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood is the only other member of that side to be named in this summer’s squad by Bazeley.

New Zealand face Haiti and England in pre-tournament friendlies before beginning their campaign against Iran on June 15.

They will also take on Egypt and Belgium in Group G as they bid to reach the knockout stages for the first time.

World Cup windfall

Smith’s inclusion in the New Zealand squad is set to land Braintree a significant fee from FIFA.

The governing body pay clubs for releasing players for the World Cup.

In 2022, this figure equated to around £8,000 per player per day their nation was involved in the tournament.

It means even if New Zealand were to exit in the group stage, Braintree would receive £128,000 for the 16 days they were part of the World Cup.

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This amount would increase further if the All Whites progress beyond the opening round.

However, they have yet to do so on their two previous World Cup appearances.

Regardless, the financial boost will ease the impact of Braintree’s relegation to the National League South this season.

The Iron finished 23rd in the fifth-tier, ending their two-year stay at that level.

FIFA have increased the total amount available to award to clubs for this summer’s tournament from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

A rise from £170.58million to £298.74million comes alongside the number of teams being increased to 48 from 32.

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Who is Tommy Smith?

Smith has made 21 appearances in all competitions for Braintree this season, returning to English football last summer following 18 months in the A-League with Macarthur and Auckland FC.

As well as his time in Australia and New Zealand, the Macclesfield-born defender has also played in the USA and the Football League.

His EFL career includes permanent spells with Ipswich Town, Sunderland, Colchester United and MK Dons.

Smith, who represented England at under-17 level, played every minute of New Zealand’s 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa.

New Zealand at the World Cup

This summer will represent New Zealand’s first appearance at the World Cup for 16 years.

It will also be only their third finals after the 1982 and 2010 editions of the tournament.

They are yet to secure a win at the World Cup across their previous six matches at the finals.

Despite that, New Zealand were unbeaten in 2010, drawing all three of their matches including a 1-1 draw with holders Italy.

Bazeley’s squad for the 2026 World Cup includes eight players who currently ply their trade in English football.