Coach Darren Bazeley told New Zealand media on Monday that Thomas will miss friendlies against Haiti and England this week while recovering from a hamstring strain.

Bell will miss at least the Haiti match because of a calf issue.

Bazeley is hopeful both will be available for their tournament opener against Graham Arnold's Iran on 16 June (AEST) but their absence is a setback for the staff's midfield planning.

"It's unfortunate [Thomas] is probably not going to get a chance to push himself forward in these next two games and other people have got that opportunity, which doesn't help him, but he's a good player," Bazeley said of the Netherlands-based player.

With the duo sidelined, Alex Rufer and rookie midfielder Lachlan Bayliss will likely start in the midfield with regular Marko Stamenic against Haiti in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Wednesday (AEST).

Bazeley said he would look to give most of his squad a run against Haiti, which has qualified for its first FIFA World Cup since a 1974 debut.

New Zealand will also play Egypt and Belgium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage as it returns to the global showpiece for the first time since South Africa hosted in 2010.