Meet Finn Surman, the Portland Timbers center back who is a key player for New Zealand at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Surman joined the Portland Timbers from Australian A-League side Wellington Phoenix in July 2024 and quickly became a locked-in starter for the team. He has captained the Timbers on many occasions and has become a leader on and off the pitch in Portland. Surman has made 46 MLS appearances, scoring 0 goals and providing 1 assist. He has also made 18 international appearances for New Zealand, scoring 2 goals. Surman made his international debut in November 2023 and helped New Zealand win the OFC Nations Cup in 2024. He will represent his nation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be his first World Cup appearance. New Zealand is in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and Iran. The team will play their first match against Iran on June 15 in Los Angeles, California. The 2026 FIFA World Cup has expanded from 32 nations to 48 total, with the top two teams advancing from each group and the top eight third-place finishers making the knockout phase. This will be New Zealand's third World Cup appearance, following their participation in the 1982 and 2010 tournaments. The All Whites have never made it past the group stage and will be looking for their first-ever World Cup win.