Three new names in first All Whites squad after World Cup

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Author: Samuel Sherry,
Publish Date: Tue, 15 Sep 2026, 1:41pm

The All Whites have named their first squad since the World Cup, with Chris Wood named captain. Photo / Photosport

Three players could earn their first All Whites caps after being called up to the first squad since the Fifa World Cup.

Darren Bazeley’s latest squad will face Palestine, China, Panama, and one of Ecuador or Japan over September and October, with captain Chris Wood leading the line-up alongside World Cup goalscorers Finn Surman and Elijah Just.

Goalkeeper Henry Gray, currently on loan at the Wellington Phoenix from Ipswich Town, and Kilmarnock’s George Stanger could be in line to pick up their first caps having been called up to Bazeley’s squad before, while Stipe Ukich has been promoted from the Under-20s to potentially make his debut for the first team.

Bazeley feels the squad can build on the foundations laid at the World Cup while giving new faces a chance to establish themselves.

“The World Cup was a significant milestone for this team, but these matches give us an opportunity to continue building on the progress we’ve made while also looking at players who can grow in the next phase of the journey,” Bazeley said.

“This squad reflects our desire to maintain that momentum and we’ve selected a group with a good mix of established internationals and players who have earned opportunities through their work at club level, including a debut call-up for Stipe Ukich who has been really impressive playing in a tough league in Croatia.

The All Whites have named their first squad since the World Cup, with Chris Wood named captain. Photo / Photosport

“The tour will be a valuable test against a range of different opponents and playing styles, from teams ranked in the 90s right up to sides who were also at the Fifa World Cup.

“The objective is always to win matches, but these tours are also about learning, improving and ensuring we are better prepared for the challenges ahead as we continue the journey as a team.”

The All Whites open their international window against Palestine on September 24 in Chongqing, China, followed by a match against China in the same city on September 28.

The team then heads to Japan to play in the 2026 Kirin Cup, playing Panama on October 1 and either Ecuador or Japan in the final or third-place playoff on October 5.