All Whites Name Full-Strength Squad for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers at Home

All Whites to Face Vanuatu and Samoa in Critical Home World Cup Qualifiers

New Zealand Assembles Star Lineup for November Showdowns

In a strategic push towards World Cup 2026 qualification, the All Whites have assembled a full-strength squad for their home fixtures against Vanuatu and Samoa. Scheduled for November 15 at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton and November 18 at Go Media Stadium in Auckland, these matches present a crucial opportunity for New Zealand to solidify its standing in the OFC qualifiers.

Head Coach Darren Bazeley has called up 24 players, reintegrating key talents Joe Bell, Callum McCowatt, Sarpreet Singh, and Finn Surman, all of whom were absent in October’s victories over Tahiti and Malaysia. Auckland FC’s Francis de Vries also makes a return after a year-long hiatus, following a strong season start.

New Talent Emerges Alongside Veteran Experience

Marking a milestone, Auckland FC attacker Liam Gillion will make his All Whites debut, rewarded for his stellar performance in the A-League. Gillion’s inclusion highlights Bazeley’s commitment to fostering emerging talent amid an expanding pool of players vying for international spots.

Veteran figures Chris Wood and Kosta Barbarouses lead the lineup with extensive international experience, while Tim Payne, Liberato Cacace, and Michael Boxall bring critical depth across positions. With this dynamic mix, Bazeley is preparing a roster with both strategic depth and established synergy—a must for New Zealand’s World Cup ambitions.

Coach Bazeley’s Vision for the All Whites’ World Cup Journey

Speaking on the team’s trajectory, Coach Bazeley emphasized the importance of fielding the strongest possible lineup. “Our priority is clear: qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Joe Bell, Callum McCowatt, Sarpreet Singh, and Finn Surman bring invaluable depth and energy. It’s also special to debut Liam Gillion, who’s earned his spot after a fantastic start,” Bazeley said.

With mounting talent across global leagues, Bazeley’s challenge of selection has grown—but he embraces it as a positive shift for New Zealand football. “The connection and culture within this team are paramount, especially with so many home games to foster that unity. We’re excited to engage with the fans as we work towards World Cup qualification.”

Ticketing and Broadcast Information

Fans can catch the action live in person with tickets priced at $20 for adults and $5 for children, available via Ticketek. Alternatively, both matches will stream live on FIFA+, providing free access for fans unable to attend.

Full Squad Roster

• Kosta Barbarouses (64 caps/7 goals) Wellington Phoenix, NZ
• 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, NZ
• Eli Just (30/4) SKN St. Pölten, Austria
• Callum McCowatt (19/2) Silkeborg IF, Denmark
• Alex Paulsen (2/0) Auckland FC, NZ
• Tim Payne (41/2) Wellington Phoenix, NZ
• Nando Pijnaker (22/0) Auckland FC, NZ
• Logan Rogerson (13/2) Auckland FC, NZ
• Storm Roux (13/0) Central Coast Mariners, Australia
• Alex Rufer (17/0) Wellington Phoenix, NZ
• Oli Sail (9/0) Perth Glory, Australia
• Sarpreet Singh (14/1) U.D. Leiria, Portugal
• Tommy Smith (56/2) Auckland FC, NZ
• Marko Stamenić (25/1) Olympiacos, Greece
• Finn Surman (6/1) Portland Timbers, USA
• Francis de Vries (7/0) Auckland FC, NZ
• Ben Waine (20/7) Mansfield Town, England
• Chris Wood (78/36) Nottingham Forest, England

*Denotes debut call-up.

Upcoming Fixtures

• 15 November 2024, 7:30 pm NZT
  All Whites vs. Vanuatu
  FMG Stadium Waikato, Kirikiriroa Hamilton
  FIFA World Cup 2026 – OFC Qualifiers
• 18 November 2024, 7:30 pm NZT
  All Whites vs. Samoa
  Go Media Stadium, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
  FIFA World Cup 2026 – OFC Qualifiers

Tags: #AllWhites #WorldCup2026 #NewZealandFootball #FIFAQualifiers #Vanuatu #Samoa #pitchside.hq #AucklandFC #WellingtonPhoenix