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Strong All Whites squad named for critical World Cup qualifiers
Riccardo Ball • March 11th, 2025 12:00 pm
Photo: Photosport
Darren Bazeley's All Whites squad for the Oceania FIFA World Cup playoffs is about as strong as it could be and that should spell trouble for the rest of the semi-finalists.
New Zealand face Fiji in the semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers on March 21 at Wellington's Sky Stadium, with the winner qualifying for the final against the winner of the New Caledonia vs Tahiti second semi-final on March 24 at Auckland's Eden Park.
The winners will automatically qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in history after the tournament was expanded giving an OFC side direct entry.
Chris Wood returns to lead the side, fresh off his sizzling form for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Finn Surman, who recently claimed a starting spot for the MLS' Portland Timbers, is the only player who fans would've expected to see that hasn't made the trip back to New Zealand. Bazeley confirmed this was to allow Surman to retain that starting spot.
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Fortunately for Bazeley and New Zealand, it's a position the All Whites are well stocked in.
Tommy Smith, Nando Pjnaker, Michael Boxall and Tyler Bindon are all vying for a starting spot and maybe the partnership at Auckland FC will see the first two get the nod.
Across the 23-strong squad, Auckland FC (6) and the Wellington Phoenix (3) are the two most represented clubs, with the rest from across the MLS, Europe and the A-League.
It's a versatile squad that gives the coaching group plenty of options and the chance to make multiple changes game to game without weakening the starting XI.
“This is the business end of the competition now and we know we have a job to do in these games to see us return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2010," said Bazeley.
“We aren’t taking anything for granted, all of the squad are completely focused on what we want to achieve this month.
“We have been really consistent with a lot of our selections over the last year to drive cohesion in the team so that when players arrive in camp they know what is expected, especially when we have limited time together and need to perform.
“It was brilliant to see the support we had last year, and it is exciting that we get the opportunity to fight for our place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in front of our own fans, we hope to see as many of you in the stands as possible.”
All White squad for World Cup qualifiers
Kosta Barbarouses, Wellington Phoenix / Joe Bell, Viking FK / Tyler Bindon, Reading FC (on loan from Nottingham Forest) / Michael Boxall, Minnesota United / Liberato Cacace, Empoli FC / Max Crocombe, Burton Albion / Matt Garbett, NAC Breda / Eli Just, SKN St. Pölten (on loan from Horsens) / Callum McCowatt, Silkeborg IF / Alex Paulsen, Auckland FC (on loan from AFC Bournemouth) / Tim Payne, Wellington Phoenix, Nando Pijnaker, Auckland FC / Jesse Randall, Auckland FC / Logan Rogerson, Auckland FC / Storm Roux, Central Coast Mariners / Alex Rufer, Wellington Phoenix / Oli Sail, Perth Glory / Sarpreet Singh, U.D. Leiria / Tommy Smith, Auckland FC / Marko Stamenić, Olympiacos (on loan from Nottingham Forest) / Francis de Vries, Auckland FC / Ben Waine, Mansfield Town (on loan from Plymouth Argyle) / Chris Wood, Nottingham Forest.
