All Whites name first post-World Cup squad for four-match Asian programme

New Zealand have announced their first All Whites squad since the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Darren Bazeley selecting 23 players for matches against Palestine, China PR and Panama before a final Kirin Cup fixture against either Japan or Ecuador.

Sixteen members of New Zealand’s World Cup squad return, including captain Chris Wood and World Cup goalscorers Eli Just and Finn Surman. Bazeley has nevertheless used the first international window of the new cycle to open the door to a number of new and returning players.

The most notable newcomer is Stipe Ukich. The 19-year-old attacker, who has previously represented New Zealand at U-17 and U-20 level, earns his first senior call-up following his performances for NK Istra 1961 in Croatia’s top division.

George Stanger and Henry Gray are also uncapped, while Owen Parker-Price, Sam Sutton, Dane Ingham and Dalton Wilkins return to the international picture. The selection gives Bazeley an opportunity to retain the core that competed at the World Cup while beginning to assess players who could become increasingly important during the next cycle.

New Zealand will first meet Palestine at Tongliang Long Stadium in Chongqing on September 24 before facing China PR at Longxing Football Stadium four days later. The team then travels to Japan for the Kirin Cup, opening against Panama in Yokohama on October 1. Their final match on October 5 will be against either hosts Japan or Ecuador in Tokyo, depending on the first round of results.

The programme gives the All Whites four different international tests in a short period immediately after their World Cup campaign. Bazeley has stressed that winning remains the objective, but the tour also represents an opportunity to continue developing the team rather than treating the World Cup as the end of a cycle.

New Zealand will then return home in November for two matches against India, in Auckland and Christchurch.

Goalkeepers: Henry Gray (Wellington Phoenix, loan), Alex Paulsen (Motherwell, loan), Michael Woud (Auckland FC).

Defenders: Tyler Bindon (Charlton Athletic, loan), Callan Elliot (Auckland FC), Dane Ingham (Sabah), Ben Old (Saint-Étienne), Nando Pijnaker (Auckland FC), George Stanger (Kilmarnock), Finn Surman (Portland Timbers), Sam Sutton (Perth Glory), Dalton Wilkins (Sønderjyske).

Midfielders: Lachlan Bayliss (Auckland FC), Owen Parker-Price (Örgryte), Alex Rufer (Wellington Phoenix), Marko Stamenić (Swansea City).

Forwards: Eli Just (Swansea City), Callum McCowatt (AGF), Jesse Randall (Dundee United), Logan Rogerson (Auckland FC), Stipe Ukich (NK Istra 1961), Ben Waine (Port Vale), Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest).