From facing National League relegation to reaching the World Cup in just 37 days: Tommy Smith has made his dream come true despite all the challenges.
Tommy Smith says he was “mentally done with football” in the summer of 2023, after his time with Colchester United in League Two came to an end. He talked with his family about retiring and wondered if it was time to quit the sport for good. But deep down, he felt there was still one big goal to reach, even if it seemed unlikely.
Having played over 500 games for teams like Ipswich Town, Colorado Rapids, and MK Dons, Tommy knew this wasn’t the final chapter just yet. “The reason I kept going was simple,” the 36-year-old tells SPORTbible from training in the U.S. “I wanted to end my career by making a World Cup squad. I didn’t want to leave quietly.”
The last three years have been all about chasing this dream. This Friday, at Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium, he might play the last match of his 18-year pro career when New Zealand faces Belgium. If that happens, he’ll be finishing on the biggest stage instead of a small National League ground like Tamworth’s Lamb Ground — quite the difference!
His wife and kids have traveled far and made many sacrifices to help him chase this dream. They’ll be cheering from the stands, supporting the man who is officially the lowest-ranked English footballer at this summer’s World Cup. The dream is alive for New Zealand—if they beat Belgium, they could advance to the knockout rounds thanks to a new rule letting some third-place teams move on.
Before this, it looked like Tommy’s dream was over. After a year in New Zealand’s A-League with Auckland FC, he joined Braintree Town in the National League for the 2025-26 season—a risky move that could have hurt his chances to get picked for the national team. Braintree ended up relegated, and Tommy only made 21 appearances due to four injuries, including a painful hamstring tear in March that nearly ended his World Cup hopes.
Despite the setbacks, Tommy pushed through. After his final game with Braintree, he got a nervous call from New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley. When Darren asked about his family and then said, “How would you like to come to the World Cup?” Tommy felt a huge sense of relief. “I’d probably have retired three years ago if it weren’t for that goal hanging there,” he admits. “So making it now is really special.”
Braintree’s tough season included a transfer ban due to financial issues, but thanks to Tommy’s World Cup involvement, the club expects a six-figure payment from FIFA in July. This money, given to clubs whose players go to the World Cup, could help Braintree recover financially for now. Tommy hopes it eases some pressure: “I hate to see any football club struggling. This money won’t fix everything, but it’s something to help.”
New Zealand is currently last in their group after a draw with Iran and a loss to Egypt. Tommy hasn’t played yet this World Cup but has been part of the squad for 16 years, even playing in the 2010 tournament. “I used to expect to start every game,” he says. “Now, I see my role more about leadership and experience, helping the team off the pitch while younger players take the field.”
Looking ahead, Tommy is ready for a new chapter outside of football. He’s studying to become a financial adviser and already has a job lined up once he’s qualified. “I want a break from football,” he says with a smile. “I want to have my weekends back, watch my kids play, and be there for them.”