The All Whites lost 3-1 to Egypt on Monday despite leading at halftime, setting up a winner-takes-all encounter with Belgium in Vancouver on Saturday.
New Zealand needs victory to advance at the tournament. Belgium, ranked 10th in the world, also faces potential elimination after drawing 1-1 with Egypt and 0-0 with Iran in their opening fixtures.
All Whites midfielder Joe Bell said the team remained positive despite the setback. "It's all to play for," Bell said. "We came to play knockout football, and that's kind of what we got now."
Bell acknowledged Belgium's quality but noted their struggles. "You have to recognise the quality that they have. They're ranked in the place that they are for a reason," he said. "So, it's going to be challenging, but no, we're very positive, optimistic."
New Zealand has never won a match at a FIFA World Cup tournament. Bell said the team had frustrated both Iran and Egypt in first-half performances and wanted to build on that approach against Belgium.