Ah yes McCowatt of course. Be good to get an update on the situation with Dibley-Dias.
Otherwise it's a settled, experienced looking AWs squad that may not change much before the 2026 WC. Up to the youngsters at the Nix, AFC and elsewhere to say pick me.
I reckon the AWs are a chance of a result in either game. Both Mexico & USA will be focusing more on the 2nd game they each have in this window - Canada. So you suspect won't be their first choice elevens against NZ.
Mexico for some reason, are playing Canada (Texas) only 2 days after playing us (California). So even more reason for them to heavily rotate between the games.
We play USA (Ohio) 3 days after Mexico.
https://www.nzfootball.co.nz/newsarticle/144502?newsfeedId=1275622
Head coach Darren Bazeley has highlighted the importance of these two games ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup – OFC Qualifiers starting in the next FIFA match window:
“Playing two games against two of the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosts, in one of the host countries, is the perfect motivation for our players ahead of starting our own journey to qualify for the tournament this October.
“These are both two top sides but we need to be testing ourselves at this level so we are prepared for what we could face should we qualify for the World Cup.
“For the Mexico game we are likely going to be facing a huge and passionate Mexican crowd, and for the USA game they could potentially have a new head coach in place, so these games will present new and interesting challenges for us which we will embrace as a team.
“We have seen a lot of high-profile transfers for our players over the last few months, so it will be great to assemble as a squad and witness how our players are developing ahead of some significant games for the team.”
Otherwise it's a settled, experienced looking AWs squad that may not change much before the 2026 WC. Up to the youngsters at the Nix, AFC and elsewhere to say pick me.
I reckon the AWs are a chance of a result in either game. Both Mexico & USA will be focusing more on the 2nd game they each have in this window - Canada. So you suspect won't be their first choice elevens against NZ.
Mexico for some reason, are playing Canada (Texas) only 2 days after playing us (California). So even more reason for them to heavily rotate between the games.
We play USA (Ohio) 3 days after Mexico.
https://www.nzfootball.co.nz/newsarticle/144502?newsfeedId=1275622
Head coach Darren Bazeley has highlighted the importance of these two games ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup – OFC Qualifiers starting in the next FIFA match window:
“Playing two games against two of the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosts, in one of the host countries, is the perfect motivation for our players ahead of starting our own journey to qualify for the tournament this October.
“These are both two top sides but we need to be testing ourselves at this level so we are prepared for what we could face should we qualify for the World Cup.
“For the Mexico game we are likely going to be facing a huge and passionate Mexican crowd, and for the USA game they could potentially have a new head coach in place, so these games will present new and interesting challenges for us which we will embrace as a team.
“We have seen a lot of high-profile transfers for our players over the last few months, so it will be great to assemble as a squad and witness how our players are developing ahead of some significant games for the team.”