Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek
Coach Darren Bazeley has named a full-strength New Zealand side for this month’s FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers in Hamilton and Auckland.
The All Whites face Vanuatu at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton (15 November), and Samoa at Go Media Stadium in Auckland (18 November). Having beaten Tahiti 3-0 in their opening qualifier in Vanuatu last month, they are well placed to qualify for the semi-finals from Group B.
“Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 26™ is the absolute priority for us, so we have named the strongest side we can for these games,” Bazeley said.
Bazeley has included 24 players for the two matches with Joe Bell, Callum McCowatt, Sarpreet Singh, and Finn Surman back after not being part of the team that won both October fixtures against Tahiti and Malaysia.
There is also a return for Auckland FC defender Francis de Vries having not featured for the last year, while after a breakout start to the A-League season, Auckland FC attacker Liam Gillion has been selected for his All Whites debut.
“It is great to welcome back Joe Bell, Callum McCowatt, Sarpreet Singh, and Finn Surman to the squad, as well as Francis de Vries for the first time in over a year after a great start with Auckland FC.
“It is always special to name a player for their debut, but Liam Gillion has earned his call-up after some really impressive performances for Auckland FC to start his professional career,” Bazeley added.
New Zealand squad for FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers
Kosta Barbarouses (64 caps/7 goals) Wellington Phoenix,
Joe Bell (20/1) Viking FK, Norway
Tyler Bindon (12/0) Reading FC, England
Michael Boxall (52/0) Minnesota United, USA
Liberato Cacace (29/1) Empoli FC, Italy
Max Crocombe (12/0) Burton Albion, England
Matt Garbett (26/4) NAC Breda, Netherlands
Liam Gillion* (0/0) Auckland FC,
Eli Just (30/4) SKN St. Pölten, Austria (on loan from Horsens)
Callum McCowatt (19/2) Silkeborg IF, Denmark
Alex Paulsen (2/0) Auckland FC, (on loan from AFC Bournemouth)
Tim Payne (41/2) Wellington Phoenix,
Nando Pijnaker (22/0) Auckland FC,
Logan Rogerson (13/2) Auckland FC
Storm Roux (13/0) Central Coast Mariners, Australia
Alex Rufer (17/0) Wellington Phoenix,
Oli Sail (9/0) Perth Glory, Australia
Sarpreet Singh (14/1) U.D. Leiria, Portugal
Tommy Smith (56/2) Auckland FC,
Marko Stamenić (25/1) Olympiacos, Greece (on loan from Nottingham Forest)
Finn Surman (6/1) Portland Timbers, USA
Francis de Vries (7/0) Auckland FC,
Ben Waine (20/7) Mansfield Town, England (on loan from Plymouth Argyle)
Chris Wood (78/36) Nottingham Forest, England
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