All Whites coach Darren Bazeley has selected five Auckland FC players for his upcoming World Cup Squad.
Michael Woud, Nando Pijnaker, Callan Elliot, Francis de Vries and Jesse Randall have all made the cut and will be boarding the plane bound for FIFA World Cup 26 in the USA, Canada and Mexico later this month.
The call-up gives players the chance to represent their country on the biggest stage, and for many will be the highlight of their careers.
For Auckland FC, having five players make the team is not only a source of immense pride, but also fulfils the club’s founding ambition to provide more opportunities and more pathways to professionalism for talented Kiwi players.
“We’re incredibly proud of the players that have been called up. They have worked hard, stayed focused and are now getting their rewards for their contribution to an outstanding A-League season,” says Auckland FC CEO, Nick Becker.
Each player was scouted and signed for Auckland ahead of the club’s debut season in the A-League, before the club had even played a single game, and only one, Nando Pijnaker, was playing football regularly at a professional grade.
“These players believed in the city and in what Auckland FC could deliver. Michael Woud was the club’s first ever signing, two years later, he’s off to the World Cup. It’s an extraordinary story of grit, determination, patience and belief, and every one of these players has one,” added Becker.
Former Auckland FC players Alex Paulsen and Tommy Smith have also been called up to the squad.
Steve Corica, Auckland FC head coach, played 32 times for his native Australia, scoring five goals and was full of praise for his players.
“It has been a big topic of discussion for the boys for much of the season,” said Corica.
“It’s something they have all been working towards, and I’m incredibly proud of what they have achieved. Each of them has performed when called upon, and each of them fully deserves the call-up.
“It’s also worth recognising the journey each of these players has been on. Francis was at Eastern Suburbs, Jesse at Wellington Olympic, good sides but not professional sides, now they are off to a World Cup. It’s extraordinary and proof of their hard work over the past two seasons.”
“For now, the focus is on the remainder of the season. We’ve got one, hopefully two games to go out and win.”
The All Whites have been drawn in Group G and will kick off their World Cup campaign against Iran on June 16 at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, L.A. They will then travel to Vancouver, Canada, for games against Egypt and Belgium on June 22 and June 27, respectively.
Ahead of that, the team will also play two warm-up matches in Florida against England and Haiti.
