New injury concern for All Whites ahead of opening Iran clash

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Author: Michael Burgess,
Publish Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2026, 1:41pm

Barely 48 hours out from their opening Fifa World Cup match, there is an major injury issue in the All-Whites’ camp.

As first reported by the Herald on Saturday, midfielder Matt Garbett was unable to complete training on Saturday (Sunday NZT), finishing the session earlier than the rest of the squad, after feeling tightness in his hamstring.

He also didn’t take any part in the captain’s run on Sunday (Monday) and would appear to be a major doubt to play any part in the match.

“He had a hamstring issue yesterday and at this stage he’s being monitored by the physio department,” Bazeley said about Garbett.

“We’ve got great medical people looking at him. He’s obviously disappointed to not train today. He likes to train every single day. That was tough for him. We’re waiting to find out more medical advice at this stage.”

It’s potentially awful news for Garbett and also a major setback for the team.

Given his performance in the England game last weekend, Garbett is set to be a key figure in the Iran clash.

Though there is a lot of competition across the midfield and wing positions, the 24-year-old seemed to have edged ahead in the battle for a starting spot.

He has been a regular starter for Bazeley, used on the left, right or as a running No 10 and brings physicality, a running game and an eye for a goal.

Matt Garbett performed well against England in Tampa, Florida. Photo / Photosport.

Garbett made his international debut against Curacao in October 2021 and featured in almost every match of Danny Hay’s tenure.

He then popped up with a crucial strike in the 2-1 win over China in Wellington in March 2023, which was a key result for Bazeley, who was the interim coach but secured the fulltime role a few weeks later.

He has been based in Europe since January 2020, playing in Sweden, Italy, Holland and England, where he currently turns for Peterborough.

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.