Though the All Whites start the OFC World Cup qualifier series as strong favourites, head coach Darren Bazeley is taking nothing for granted and is treating the campaign with cautious optimism.
“It’s all about taking it one game at a time and ensuring we’re fully prepared for each opponent,” Bazeley told OFC Media.
For New Zealand, the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup starts with qualifying games against Tahiti in Port Vila (October 11), Vanuatu in Hamilton (November 15) and Samoa in Auckland (November 18).
Nottingham Forest English Premier League striker Chris Wood will lead the attack with the likes of Empoli Serie A defender Libby Cacace and a plethora of European-based players included in New Zealand’s 21-player squad.
Bazeley believes the experience of spending more than two weeks in Port Vila en-route to winning the OFC Men’s Nations Cup in June, will put his side in good stead for the opening match against Tahiti this month.
“We know the conditions at VFF Freshwater Stadium,” he says, highlighting the team’s familiarity with the unique playing environment and electric atmosphere generated by the passionate local supporters.
Bazeley believes the experience will serve as a significant advantage.
“We expect all the island teams to have improved, and we’ll need to be ready for whatever challenges come our way.”
The introduction of one guaranteed qualification slot and an additional play-off adds an exciting twist for the latest FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in Oceania.
Bazeley won’t underestimate first-game opponents Tahiti.
The All Whites defeated Samuel Garcia’s side 5-0 in the OFC Men’s Nations Cup semi-finals at the same venue in June with Kostas Barbarouses and Ben Waine each grabbing a brace.
“We’ve played them before, but every game will be different. This is now a World Cup qualifier and I am sure Tahiti will have a slightly different squad.
“We need to be aware of their strengths and weaknesses.”
New Zealand will fly from Port Vila to Auckland straight after the match on a specially arranged charter flight to prepare for an International friendly against Malaysia on Monday October 14 in Auckland.
Then it’s onto the November international window when the remaining group matches will be played.
It’s the chance to play at home, something New Zealand doesn’t do often that excites Bazeley.
“Bringing games back to New Zealand is key for our fans and families,” he says.
“The players are excited to play here, and we know the familiarity with the pitch will be an advantage and the climate’s not so much of an issue. But we still need to go out onto the pitch and do our job and make sure we are ready for every single game.”
Acknowledgement
We thank OFC Media for providing this interview.
New Zealand
The following squad has been announced for the games against Tahiti and Malaysia:
Name/caps/goals/club
Goalkeepers
Max Crocombe (11/0) Burton Albion, England
Alex Paulsen (1/0) Auckland FC, New Zealand (on loan from AFC Bournemouth)
Oli Sail (9/0) Perth Glory, Australia
Defenders
Tyler Bindon (10/0) Reading FC, England
Michael Boxall (51/0) Minnesota United, USA
Libby Cacace (27/1) Empoli FC, Italy
Tim Payne (39/2) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Nando Pijnaker (21/0) Auckland FC, New Zealand
Storm Roux (11/0) Central Coast Mariners, Australia
Tommy Smith (56/2) Auckland FC, New Zealand
Sam Sutton (3/0) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Midfielders
Matt Garbett (24/3) NAC Breda, Netherlands
Cam Howieson (20/1) Auckland FC, New Zealand
Alex Rufer (15/0) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Marko Stamenić (23/1) Olympiacos, Greece (on loan from Nottingham Forest)
Forwards
Kosta Barbarouses (62 caps/7 goals) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Eli Just (28/2) SKN St. Pölten, Austria (on loan from AC Horsens)
Ben Old (10/1) AS Saint Etienne, France
Logan Rogerson (11/1) Auckland FC, New Zealand
Ben Waine (18/6) Plymouth Argyle, England
Chris Wood (76/34) Nottingham Forest, England
All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley said: “It’s always great to name an All Whites squad, but with this window marking both the start of our FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers and our first home game of the year, it is particularly exciting.
“We have been building all year for this, so it is great to finally get underway as we look to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the third time in our history.
“This is a strong squad with real competition for places from the 50-plus players we are monitoring, we are having to make hard decisions which is what you want as a coach.
“It is great to welcome Storm back for this window after him not being available for the last couple of tours, as well as Cam and Tyler who weren’t part of the USA tour, I know they all can’t wait to be back out on the pitch again wearing the fern.”
Fixtures
October
Game to be played on Friday October 11, 2024
FIFA World Cup 2026 – OFC Qualifier
New Zealand v Tahiti
VFF Freshwater Stadium, Port Vila, Vanuatu, 3pm (NZT)
International friendly
New Zealand v Malaysia
North Harbour Stadium, Albany, 7pm
November
Game to be played on Friday November 15, 2024
FIFA World Cup 2026 – OFC Qualifier
New Zealand v Vanuatu
FMG Stadium Waikato, Kirikiriroa Hamilton, 7.30pm
Game to be played on Monday November 18, 2024
FIFA World Cup 2026 – OFC Qualifier
New Zealand v Samoa
Go Media Stadium, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, 7.30pm
This story was first published on October 1, 2024.
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