Seven Auckland FC players represented New Zealand at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in North America, in a campaign that gave New Zealand football plenty to be proud of. Back on football’s biggest stage for the first time in 16 years.
New Zealand Football Head Coach, Darren Bazeley, announced his 26 Man Squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ on the 14th of May, including five Auckland FC players.
Francis de Vries, Nando Pijnaker, Jesse Randall, Michael Woud, and Callan Elliot were picked in the initial squad that travelled to North America.
Logan Rogerson later joined the squad as an injury replacement for Matthew Garbett, taking Auckland FC’s total to six of the 26 players named, a real testament to the club’s success in its first two seasons in the A-League, and proof that the pathway to the world stage is real in Auckland.
Auckland FC’s prominence in the All Whites squad grew further with the announcement that Lachie Bayliss will join Auckland FC for the upcoming A-League season.
For fans, it’s even more reason to watch Auckland FC each week at Go Media Stadium, with All Whites across the park, including Francis de Vries, Nando Pijnaker, Callan Elliot, Michael Woud, Logan Rogerson & Lachie Bayliss.
Playing at the World Cup is a dream for every young footballer, and it was special to see that dream realised by our boys in black and blue.
Matchday 1: New Zealand vs Iran
Callan Elliot and Jesse Randall came off the bench in the All Whites’ opening match against Iran, with Elliot making his 12th International appearance in the 77th minute and Randall coming on early in added time.
Matchday 2: New Zealand vs Egypt
Jesse Randall subbed on again against Egypt, and he was joined by Francis de Vries, making his World Cup debut. De Vries came on in the 85th minute, setting up many late chances from set pieces as the All Whites chased the game.
Matchday 3: New Zealand vs Belgium
De Vries and Randall made their impact on the world stage once again against Belgium. Randall came on at halftime, and it was his corner kick delivery that resulted in the All Whites’ goal. De Vries came off the bench late in the second half in the All Whites’ defeat.
New Zealand’s tournament may have ended in Vancouver, but for Auckland FC, this was just the beginning of what the club is building. Six players will return to the squad with experience at the world’s highest level.
We couldn’t be prouder of our boys, and we can’t wait to have them back on home soil next season. Lock in your 26/27 membership now and watch the A-League club with more players at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ than any other.
A special shoutout to Oli Sali, who featured regularly for the All Whites during qualifying games but missed the final selection through injury.
Oli stayed close to the tournament, joining the TVNZ+ panel as an analyst and representing the club both on and off the pitch. Sounds like there might be a TV career waiting for you after football, Oli!
