The All Whites has announced their squad for two friendly matches against China, scheduled to take place on 23rd March at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland and on 26th March at Sky Stadium in Wellington. The squad includes some of the best players from the country, including the all-time top scorer of the All Whites, Chris Wood, who plays for Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League.
One exciting inclusion in the squad is Wellington Phoenix’s Callan Elliot, who has the chance to make his debut in this FIFA window – a number of Wellington Phoenix players were included such as Clayton Lewis, Tim Payne and Kosta Barbarouses. However, some key players like Sarpreet Singh, who started his return to form in 2. Bundesliga in Germany, and Bill Tuiloma, who recently joined Charlotte FC, didn’t make it to the squad. Additionally, Plymouth Argyle’s Ben Waine is understood to not be released by his club to represent the national team in this window.
On the other hand, important players like Joe Bell, Oli Sail, Liberato Cacace, and Michael Boxall were included in the squad. The call-up also marks the return of Marco Rojas, who is now playing in Chilean top-side Colo-Colo, and Sligo Rovers’ striker Max Mata. You can see the entire squad by clicking here.
The call-up of some of the best players in New Zealand for the upcoming friendly matches against China is exciting news for football fans in the country. While some key players miss out due to club commitments or injury, the team still has a strong squad and will be looking to make a mark in the friendly matches as they started a new cycle heading the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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