All Whites coach Darren Bazeley has recalled several offshore-based players for international matches. Next month, these matches will be against Mexico and the United States in North America.
The New Zealand squad, which contested the OFC Nations Cup in Vanuatu in June, has eight changes to its 21-man squad.
Bazeley used the tournament to gain new caps and prepare for the Olympic Games under-23 campaign, resulting in four comfortable wins.
The two opponents are ranked 16th and 17th, while the All Whites are ranked 94th. They will face a significant challenge in matches against Mexico in Pasadena, California, and the US in Cincinnati.
Europe-based midfielders Joe Bell, Matthew Garbett, Marko Stamenic, and Sarpreet Singh are recalled. The Ireland-based Nando Pijnaker and US-based Michael Boxall return in defence. Coach emphasized the importance of the two US friendlies.
This will motivate players to test themselves at this level before qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Wood scored the only goal in the last game against Mexico, a 2-1 loss in the 2017 Confederations Cup tournament in Sochi, Russia.
Bazeley anticipates his team to face significant challenges in the Mexico and USA games, including a passionate Mexican crowd and a potential new head coach, presenting new and interesting challenges for them to embrace as a team.
The squad will witness how their players develop ahead of significant games for the team.
All Whites squad:
Goalkeepers
Max Crocombe (9 caps/0 goals) Burton Albion, England
Alex Paulsen (1/0) Auckland FC, NZ
Oli Sail (9/0) Perth Glory, Australia
Defenders
Tyler Bindon (10/0) Reading, England
Michael Boxall (49/0) Minnesota United, USA
Liberato Cacace (25/1) Empoli FC, Italy
Tim Payne (37/2) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Nando Pijnaker (19/0) Sligo Rovers, Republic of Ireland
Tommy Smith (55/2) Auckland FC, New Zealand
Finn Surman (5/1) Portland Timbers, USA
Dalton Wilkins (3/0) Sønderjyske Fodbold, Denmark
Midfielders
Joe Bell (18/1) Viking FK, Norway
Matthew Garbett (22/3) NAC Breda, Netherlands
Elijah Just (26/2) SKN St. Pölten, Austria (on loan from AC Horsens)
Ben Old (8/1) AS Saint Etienne, France
Alex Rufer (13/0) Wellington Phoenix, NZ
Sarpreet Singh (14/1), Unattached
Marko Stamenić (21/1) Olympiacos, Greece
Forwards
Kosta Barbarouses (60/7) Wellington Phoenix, NZ
Ben Waine (16/5) Plymouth Argyle, England
Chris Wood (74/34) Nottingham Forest, England
SCHEDULE
All Whites vs Mexico
8 September – 1pm NZT (7 September 6pm local time)
Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California
All Whites vs USA
11 September – 11am NZT (10 September 7pm local time)
TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
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