A 21-player New Zealand squad has been named to play two international games in October, including the All Whites’ opening game in the OFC World Cup qualifier series.
Three players are included in the squad who were not part of September’s friendlies against Mexico and the United States.
They are defender Tyler Bindon (Reading), midfielder Cam Howieson (Auckland FC( and defender Storm Roux (Central Coast Mariners).
Left out of the newly-named squad are Finn Surman (Portland Timbers), Joe Bell (Viking FK) and Bill Tuiloma (Minnesota United), who all participated in the United States tour.
New Zealand
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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