The invitation to the World Championship upset his plans » The international postponed his wedding
Article by Mihai Șovei – Published Friday, May 29, 2026, 12:17 / Updated Friday, May 29, 2026 12:21
Michael Woud, the goalkeeper of the New Zealand national football team, had to postpone his planned wedding with his fiancee due to the invitation to the World Cup in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.
At the time of the engagement, it was not yet clear whether the 27-year-old Auckland goalkeeper from New Zealand would secure a place in the World Cup squad. Ultimately, selector Darren Bazeley chose him as the team's third goalkeeper.
Michael Woud postponed his wedding to go to the World Championship
“My fiancee supported me in this decision. It's not a bad reason to postpone the wedding, the World Championship only happens once every four years. We will move it to next year,” said Michael Woud, according to ABC News.
The New Zealander is not expected to play at the tournament, but even his place in the World Cup squad came after a surprising series of events. In Auckland, he became a starter after Oliver Sail's injury and eventually helped the team to a historic win in the Australian A-League.
“My role is quite clear. I will support the other goalkeepers and when called upon I will do my best,” Wood added. His team will face Iran, Egypt and Belgium in Group G.
Michael Woud postponed his wedding to go to the World Championship
New Zealand has participated in the World Championship twice so far. In Spain in 1982 they lost all three matches and in South Africa in 2010 they drew all three games and failed to get out of the groups.
New Zealand squad for the World Championship
-
Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe (Millwall), Alex Paulsen (Legia Warsaw), Michael Woud (Auckland);
-
Defenders: Tyler Bindon (Nottingham Forest), Michael Boxall (Minnesota United), Liberato Cacace (Wrexham), Francis de Vries (Auckland), Callan Elliot (Auckland), Tim Payne (Wellington Phoenix), Nando Pijnaker (Auckland), Tommy Smith (Braintree Town), Finn Surman (Portland Timbers);
-
Midfielders: Lachlan Bayliss (Newcastle Jets), Joe Bell (Viking), Matt Garbett (Peterborough United), Ben Old (Saint-Étienne), Alex Rufer (Wellington Phoenix), Sarpreet Singh (Wellington Phoenix), Marko Stamenic (Swansea City), Ryan Thomas (PEC Zwolle);
-
Strikers: Kosta Barbarouses (Western Sydney Wanderers), Elijah Just (Motherwell), Callum McCowatt (Silkeborg), Jesse Randall (Auckland), Ben Waine (Port Vale), Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest);
