Security tightens as All Whites go full throttle before Iran showdown

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Author: Michael Burgess,
Publish Date: Sun, 14 Jun 2026, 8:41am

By Michael Burgess in San Diego

Things are getting serious for the All Whites in North America.

If the last two weeks were about laying the foundations, the next few days are business time. The team is now into full preparation mode for the Iran match on Tuesday (1pm NZT), which is coming round fast.

After a day off on Friday, where some players played golf, others visited a cafe or shopping mall and another group relaxed at the spacious hotel in La Jolla, Saturday was a double day with a session on the grass followed by gym work.

The focus at training was on combating Iran and going through all the different defensive shapes that will be required against the World No 22 side. Security has also tightened up at their training base at the University of San Diego. The Herald counted at least 10 guards on the walk from the media entrance to the edge of Torero field, with another couple guarding the perimeter. It’s standard at World Cups – mainly to safeguard tactical information and prevent line-ups getting out – and only seems to increase as you get closer to match day. The All Whites seem to be in a good space, keeping to their standard routine.

“It’s just like any other game we always start working match day minus three,” said McCowatt. “A little bit out of possession and then Saturday in possession and then set pieces. It’s a process that we’ve really mastered over the time to just get ready.”

Callum McCowatt vies for the ball in a match against Poland. Photo / Photosport

McCowatt is coming off another impressive season in Denmark, where he grabbed 12 goals and five assists for Silkeborg IF. He said the reasons for his success were multi-faceted. He was given a leadership role on the field – “the coach really believed in more and trusted me” – and ended up playing every game in the league season, which meant his belief and confidence compounded.

However, despite his good form, McCowatt is fighting for a spot across the most competitive positions in the squad, left or right flank or attacking midfield, just behind Chris Wood. He’s versatile but has a preference.

“I’d rather play number 10 because that is what got the best out of me at club,” said McCowatt. “I scored double digits from that role, which is quite rare for a Kiwi player, but you don’t want to rule yourself out of other positions but the winger role is difficult in the All Whites. Especially against England, it was just a lot of defending which, of course, is fine but you end up getting deeper and deeper and it’s harder to get those attacking moments and show what you can do.”

The only concern from Friday was Wellington Phoenix skipper Alex Rufer, who took no part in team training. New Zealand Football said he had taken a “knock” and was told to sit out the session by coach Darren Bazeley, instead working by himself in the gym. While Rufer is at long odds to start against Iran – given the presence of Marko Stamenic and Joe Bell – he is an important option in the centre of the park, depending on the match situation.

Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.