Braintree Town defender Tommy Smith views his second World Cup appearance as the potential peak of his playing days, coming 16 years after featuring for New Zealand at the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

The 36-year-old, who previously played for Ipswich Town and Colchester United, earned a spot in the All Whites 26-man roster selected by head coach Darren Bazeley and has settled into team life following the squad's arrival in Florida last month.

New Zealand compete in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and Iran, basing themselves in San Diego with their opening fixture set for Los Angeles versus Iran on 16 June.

Ahead of a warm-up clash with Haiti at Inter Miami's Chase Stadium on Wednesday (01:00 BST), Smith, born in Macclesfield yet raised largely in New Zealand, welcomes the chance to face top global talent once more.

"At 36 years old this opportunity likely will not arise again, so I aim to savour each instant, contribute fully and relish the entire journey," Smith shared with BBC Radio Essex.

"Having grown up in New Zealand creates a unique bond that I have always valued deeply.

Previous years saw varying levels of motivation to represent the nation, yet the current and prior setups have fostered an exceptional atmosphere that inspires maximum effort from all involved."

After a season with Auckland City that ended with league leadership but a finals semi-final exit to Melbourne Victory, Smith rejoined English football last August at Braintree.

The Iron suffered relegation from the National League, ending second from bottom, and now prepare for sixth-tier competition.

Anticipating matchups with stars such as Mo Salah, Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne, Smith noted the underdog status while hoping to exploit it effectively.

"We recognise the calibre of opponents ahead and expect to be viewed as underdogs, yet we hope teams avoid underestimating us to prevent any surprises.

Players naturally seek tests against the elite, and our young ambitious squad can advance careers best at the World Cup under global scrutiny."

Smith featured in every minute of New Zealand's 2010 campaign, the sole unbeaten side despite exiting the group stage.

The All Whites secured draws against Slovakia, Paraguay and Italy to place third in Group F, missing advancement by one point.

"The objective remains advancing from the group into the knockout rounds," Smith stated.

"We placed third previously, but improved ranking rules for third-placed sides offer a pathway with at least one positive result this time."

Now out of contract at Braintree amid unpaid wages, Smith remains uncertain about his next steps.

"Players have gone without pay for a month while the owner seeks investors to settle obligations.

Fans merit a stable club competing at the league's upper levels next season.

With my contract expired I told manager Steve Pitt we would reassess after the World Cup, though my attention stays fixed here now.

I must reflect on a lengthy career and decide whether concluding at the World Cup feels right."