Tommy Smith

Tommy Smith travelled to the 2026 World Cup with New Zealand, wearing number 26, without ever getting on the pitch. His side played 3 matches (1 draw and 2 defeats) and bowed out in the group stage (Group G), beaten by Belgium 5-1.

Defence went to F. Surman (3 matches, 270′) and T. Payne (3 matches, 227′).

Another 8 players in the New Zealand squad ended up the same way, without a single minute. The full run is on the New Zealand team page.