2026 WCQ vs Tahiti | Fri 11th Oct | 3pm

AWs squad I'm guessing will be named next week.

October window last year (Congo & Australia), Bazeley picked zero ALM players, due to their club season about to kick off. This year the ALM kicks off the weekend of 18th-20th, following the FIFA window.

It might be that Bazeley asks Chief & Corica for the ALM players be made available to play Tahiti in Vanuatu (it is a WC qualifier after all), but then releases all the A League players back to their clubs when the AWs move to NZ for the Malaysia game.

Made a bit easier by both the Nix and Auckland playing their first games in NZ, to start the ALM season.


Tahiti (OFC WC qualifier)
11th Oct, 3pm NZT
Port Vila, Vanuatu

Malaysia (friendly)
14th Oct, 7pm NZT
North Harbour Stadium

coochiee

AWs squad I'm guessing will be named next week.

October window last year (Congo & Australia), Bazeley picked zero ALM players, due to their club season about to kick off. This year the ALM kicks off the weekend of 18th-20th, following the FIFA window.

It might be that Bazeley asks Chief & Corica for the ALM players be made available to play Tahiti in Vanuatu (it is a WC qualifier after all), but then releases all the A League players back to their clubs when the AWs move to NZ for the Malaysia game.

Made a bit easier by both the Nix and Auckland playing their first games in NZ, to start the ALM season.


Tahiti (OFC WC qualifier)
11th Oct, 2pm NZT
Port Vila, Vanuatu

Malaysia (friendly)
14th Oct, 6pm NZT
North Harbour Stadium

Extended squad perhaps? 

Bring in the big guns from Europe for Tahiti (like you said, it's a world cup qualifier) and then release some of them back to Europe for a few days rest (Wood, Stamenic, Garbett, Bell Cacace for example) and then have an A-League heavy squad + a few fringe players or those in need of the game time for the Malaysia game.

I think the ALM coaches will want their players to skip the (basically meaningless in their eyes) Malaysia friendly, so they get almost a week with their AWs players before the A League kicks off. A reasonable request.

But yeah don't see much point in the European based big guns playing Malaysia either. Not when you throw in the long travel journey - Europe-Tahiti-NZ-Europe. Might as well stay onside with their club gaffers, re playing loads. Though the Woodsman sounded keen re games in NZ.

Likely send Boxall back to the US post Tahiti, with the MLS at the business end, and Minny chasing a playoff spot. He may not even make the long trip at all for this window, realistically he's not needed - AWs will beat Tahiti with ease. Bit pointless taking Sail out of Glory pre season for a week just to be the 3rd keeper.

You could have an eleven like this play Malaysia -
Crocs/Tzanev, McGarry, Bindon, Surman, Wilkins, Dibley-Dias, Bell, Old, Just, Singh, Waine
Bench - Crocs/Tzanev/Sims, Tuiloma, Kirwan, Libby, Stamenic, Garbett, McCowatt, Wood

A stronger run out side against Tahiti, with Payne, Rufer, Libby, Stamenic, Wood all starters.

Someone like Riley Bidois or Jay Herdman (both at the Olympics) a smokey if through injuries/unavailabilities you were struggling to get enough non ALM players to fill a squad.

I think the fact that the second game in the window is in NZ makes it hard to justify resting NZ based players for that one. If anything we should have a stronger team featuring all of our best available overseas players for the Tahiti game, and have a primarily domestic XI for the second game. The likes of Old & Cacace can head back after the first game, but I expect Chris Wood will be keen to make the trip to NZ, he is hungry for appearances and goals. So long as he doesn't tweak his hammy between now and then, he is probably overdue for one of those given his history. 

I wonder, given Logan Rogerson's call-up in the last window being probably based upon a word from Corica about his showings in preseason, whether we get any other surprise call-ups from AFC or the Nix. Piney said Rojas has been sharp in preseason, and he apparently played a big part in setting up a goal over the weekend, might he make a return? 

imanixsupporter

I think the fact that the second game in the window is in NZ makes it hard to justify resting NZ based players for that one. If anything we should have a stronger team featuring all of our best available overseas players for the Tahiti game, and have a primarily domestic XI for the second game. The likes of Old & Cacace can head back after the first game, but I expect Chris Wood will be keen to make the trip to NZ, he is hungry for appearances and goals. So long as he doesn't tweak his hammy between now and then, he is probably overdue for one of those given his history. 

You maybe right.

But the AWs play Malaysia the 14th. Auckland's first ever ALM game is the 19th. Nix start their season the next day on the 20th.

Corica & Chief will be grumpy having their best NZ players away for a week, and only getting them back 4-5 days before their seasons kick off. Far from ideal prep, for the long awaited first game of the new campaign.

The Malaysian match is a soon forgotten friendly. It's a bit different than say European clubs releasing their players for important World Cup qualifiers, when the club seasons are already well underway.

I see a more European based AWs side running out at North Harbour. But could be wrong. We wait to see.

Another way of looking at it is that Corica & Chiefy may appreciate a few of their players getting some actual quality game fitness before week 1. Yes it is a friendly but it is a lot more serious than a club preseason game. Still a few days to recover and prepare for the season opener, especially given the easy travel home after.

It’s an interesting one. It’s also a home All Whites game at a time there should be a lot of interest brewing in football (assuming the clubs and federation have talked together and marketed a bit-lololol). Perhaps the best game we’ll have at home for a while. 

It’s also a good chance for fringe players to re-introduce themselves before the A league season. Particularly coming back from Europe etc…Mata, de Vries, Elliot, Howieson, Rogerson (is he signed? Not on the website, but neither are the recent visa players or Paulsen for that matter), and Champness are all players who’ve been in and out of the public view. A strong cameo for the AWs might be a good way to get momentum and publicity into their season. Though they’d also have to wangle a selection. And it’s not clear how many of these lads are likely to start for AFC either. 

And as I said in a different thread I’d like to see Paulsen play some time for the AWs, because I think playing out from the back is a great way for Bell, Rufer and Stamenic to create chances for Garbett, Libby, Sarpreet et al. We looked most dangerous on the counter and playing out is kind of an artificial counter.  It’s the next logical step in the AW development. 

Imagine if Elliot, Rogerson, Champness and Mata were in the goals and assists. Surely that’s the best advertising the new club could get? And in front of people who are prepared to get out to the football in Auckland. I personally would not recognize de Vries and I’m not sure I’ve seen him play. 

Well, negotiations with these clubs will be in English and could even be face to face if necessary, if Baze knows where the head offices are, so hopefully will be easier than for the last window around transfer deadlines. 

And I’d actually say that Wood should stay with his club. Well, probably. We should be able to assemble a side to beat Tahiti or Malaysia without him. 

I think Wood wants to become the highest capped AW of all time, he's already our top goal scorer so I can see him here for both games, especially given he missed the Nation's Cup. 

I imagine he has two records he's chasing, Vicelich's 88 full caps and Summer's total of 105. Chris still needs 13 and 27 respectively. He'll need to appear in vertually every window he has left to acheive that when you include potential injuries etc

Any road, as others have said, lets give players not starting regularly for their clubs or not seen in a white shirt for a while a chance here and leave the Nix and Knights players to prepare for their seasons. I want both clubs to do well and would hate to see kiwis get injured in these games and screw up their respective clubs seasons.

e.g. Give A. de Jong, H. Grey, Wilkins, Dyer, Singh, McGarry, Tzanev etc a run.

Marto

I think Wood wants to become the highest capped AW of all time, he's already our top goal scorer so I can see him here for both games, especially given he missed the Nation's Cup. 

I imagine he has two records he's chasing, Vicelich's 88 full caps and Summer's total of 105. Chris still needs 13 and 27 respectively. He'll need to appear in vertually every window he has left to acheive that when you include potential injuries etc

Any road, as others have said, lets give players not starting regularly for their clubs or not seen in a white shirt for a while a chance here and leave the Nix and Knights players to prepare for their seasons. I want both clubs to do well and would hate to see kiwis get injured in these games and screw up their respective clubs seasons.

e.g. Give A. de Jong, H. Grey, Wilkins, Dyer, Singh, McGarry, Tzanev etc a run.

On Chris I tend to look at him a bit like Nelly. Extend your PL career as much as possible. 

We underestimate his achievements so much. If he was in another country he’d have a profile and reputation greater than McCaw. We’d all know about his wife, his family and his wedding. He’d be a top celebrity. 

Although we’ve developed all these pathways it’s statistically unlikely we’ll have a striker of his prowess again in my lifetime. There’s only him and Rufer W. and daylight. Everyone else has been a bit part player overseas and dominated at home at best, if that. Until Libby, Matt Garbett or Ben Old turn into prime Bale I guess! 

He’s in a fantastic run of form. I think he should do everything to continue his season at his club and try to make it a career best one and extend his life as a starting Premier League striker for as long as possible. 

At A league and above, there are a lot of players. I think we should be able to make a very competitive team without calling on Chris. If he’s prioritised preseason I think he should continue to prioritise his club in this situation. 

I think being frank also, many players under All White consideration could be bench players at AFC and a strong competitive national team side game such as Pijnaker recently had, especially with a good result might make their case for more minutes and give them confidence going into the season. 

Definitely agree with your comments that in most countries around the world, Wood and his 72 EPL goals would have a much higher profile. He's made it clear he will live in England post retirement, and a part of that will be NZ just doesn't offer that many opportunities to ex EPL footballers. Small number of professional coaching jobs, not many media opportunities, no real football panel shows etc etc. It's still all heavily rugby centric.

Though he loves his horses, and that's seems his future strong link to NZ, having a few thoroughbreds running around the Waikato. May still finish his career with a season in the A League.

Forest have games 6th Oct (Chelsea A) and 22nd Oct (Palace at H). That's a good 16 day break over the Oct window. If he's niggle free, and wants to come down under, I'd start him against Tahiti (is a WC qualifier), and put him on the bench against Malaysia.

Would be great if he had a dominant injury free (so needs luck) season at Notts Forest, and got 15 or more goals. As others have said at Forest he now has the best supporting cast of attacking team mates he's ever had in his EPL career, plus a coach who really believes in him. No Olympics next year, so if he's ever going to be a contender for a Halberg gong maybe it's 2025. That would be some deserved NZ sporting recognition.

16 days is a decent break. But it’s a lot of long haul travel. And a wife at home too, who has to sacrifice around the Christmas holidays.

If he says he can do it, he can do it. 

I’d love to see him hit the form he had last season when he got his hat trick and brace and power to 20 goals, and push Forest up to 6th or 7th. 

If he hasn’t been doing the yoga, it’s maybe a bit late to start, but I’d like him to be aiming for 10+ goals at the top for another 3-5 years, perhaps with a year in Serie A, Bundesliga or La Liga or something similar. To be fair his fitness last year and his body shape (perhaps a bit leaner?) is the best he’d been for a while. 

I personally am not that bothered about Chris Wood's current or continued success in his club career. Sure, it is great, good for him. But my preference would always be to see him as much as possible for the national team, scoring goals for us, and forming the best possible understanding with the team to maximise our chances of being able to use him effectively and for him to deliver for us when it matters most. I wouldn't lose any sleep over him not being as successful at club level as a result. 

But it seems like everyone else here would be happy for Chris to skip lots of NZ games so he can get 10 PL goal seasons and finish midtable at Nottingham Forest?! For him to show up in a white shirt ever once in a while and be totally out of sync with the rest of the team (which he has been for quite a while). But no matter, because he is a PL striker, and we can bask in his reflected glory!

I'd rather that Chris Wood at this point became more like Klose was for Germany. 

imanixsupporter

I personally am not that bothered about Chris Wood's current or continued success in his club career. Sure, it is great, good for him. But my preference would always be to see him as much as possible for the national team, scoring goals for us, and forming the best possible understanding with the team to maximise our chances of being able to use him effectively and for him to deliver for us when it matters most. I wouldn't lose any sleep over him not being as successful at club level as a result. 

But it seems like everyone else here would be happy for Chris to skip lots of NZ games so he can get 10 PL goal seasons and finish midtable at Nottingham Forest?! For him to show up in a white shirt ever once in a while and be totally out of sync with the rest of the team (which he has been for quite a while). But no matter, because he is a PL striker, and we can bask in his reflected glory!

I'd rather that Chris Wood at this point became more like Klose was for Germany. 

That’s my preference. I want to see the best player of our generation perform against the best opposition he can get and achieve the best record possible against that opposition. That’s representing NZ on the global stage. Scoring 20+ goals and taking Forest to a high mid table finish would be a huge achievement considering the quality of the league and given how many pundits have predicted them to be relegated. 

The only time any of our island games are that memorable are when we lose. Our confederation doesn’t matter. We’ve never been invited to a Copa America or Gold Cup or whatever it is in Latin America where they invite a bunch of guests. Aussie has. 

I am, though, absolutely in favour of him holding the record for number of goals at World Cups for as long as he can however. But Klose was very poor for his club in between that. And Wood has been to one WC and missed two iirc so it’s a difficult ask…

"The only time any of our island games are that memorable are when we lose. Our confederation doesn’t matter."

You sound a lot like the many people from this part of the world who say things like "the A-League doesn't matter, I only care about the Premier League".

It matters to me, a NZ fan. I don't care about Nottingham Forest.  I want to see another Chris Wood hattrick like the one I got to see at North Harbour Stadium a few years back when we battered the Solomons 6-1. That is memorable to me. 

Also, the more we obliterate our confederation, the better case we have to be able to lobby FIFA/AFC etc so we could get more regular competitive fixtures.

imanixsupporter

"The only time any of our island games are that memorable are when we lose. Our confederation doesn’t matter."

You sound a lot like the many people from this part of the world who say things like "the A-League doesn't matter, I only care about the Premier League".

It matters to me, a NZ fan. I don't care about Nottingham Forest.  I want to see another Chris Wood hattrick like the one I got to see at North Harbour Stadium a few years back when we battered the Solomons 6-1. That is memorable to me. 

Also, the more we obliterate our confederation, the better case we have to be able to lobby FIFA/AFC etc so we could get more regular competitive fixtures.

I mean fair enough. It’s great that you care. It’s awesome you have those memories. Most of mine are of Kosta missing chance after chance and of Rory praying!

Does winning at Anfield mean anything to you? Or Old Trafford? Stamford Bridge? The San Siro?

I think literally no one outside cares about our confederation. I'm thinking here about the footballing world. We’re getting small biscuits here and there, but imagine if our footballers were only allowed to play in our confederation. It’d make an interesting local league and many, many players who failed to reach a tenth of their potential.

We don’t have any money. Unlike a continental league with buses and trains, any real league in the islands requires a lot of cash. NZ is the richest country in the confederation and scarcely cares for the sport. Look at the oil or gas rich nations holding World Cups and buying top teams. That’s not us.

I’m not giving my opinion, but a fact. We’re a poor, dysfunctional confederation where there isn’t a professional league.

That’s not Eurosnobbery. It’s just a statement of fact.

No amount of high scoring victories will change the reality we don’t have any real leverage anywhere in FIFA. And that no one wants to pick up the problems of Oceania or even the lower ranked Asian nations. We won’t see a division in Asia any time soon.

In fact, I think some of the opposition we’re getting now is as good as it gets. Greece, Egypt, Sweden…all very highly ranked opponents. Just we’re not going to see them in NZ and not in a meaningful game. A game at home against Malaysia seems quite a decent fixture based on our drawing power.

Here’s our confederation based on FIFA’s rankings:

IMG_2218.jpeg 293.8 KB

I want Chris Wood to play every major competitive friendly for the AWs in the leadup to 2026 WC. Yes you do want him to get more in sync with Old and others, he may not have played that much with. There should hopefully be 8 good tough friendlies next year (June, Sept, Oct & Nov windows). Then another 4 or so in 2026 pre the WC itself - the March '26 window and a few warmups just prior the tourney kick off.

Personally I get far more excited about watching the AWs tackle likes of Mexico & US, than waltzing past the OFC minnows. NZ will highly likely be the weakest team even at a 48 team WC. 100% we will not play anyone in our group where we have 70% of the ball like against the Island teams. Even Malaysia will be far weaker than anyone we play in Nth America. Over these next 3 windows we will learn very little new about the AWs, and they offer nothing as a barometer of how the team will go at the big dance in just under 2 years.

Over the next 2 windows I think Wood should probably start against Taihiti & Vanuatu (in the Tron after all). Ride the pine for Malaysia & Samoa. But if he is carrying any sort of niggle, we don't need him at all. Yes definitely call him up in March next year for the semi & final, he can grab himself a couple more hat tricks.

But any nerves we had about the AWs stumbling against the Island teams, were massively lessened by easily winning the Nations Cup (ie they are still to be blunt piss weak) when missing a host of players, and those nerves became nil when OFC kindly gave us home advantage for 4 of our 5 qualifying games (incl semi & final)

And AFC don't give a fudge about OFC, or if the results there are lopsided. Though they might have an interest in the 1 automatic WC spot & 1 WC playoff tourney spot that could be gained by yes tacking on the OFC nations, to their qualifying program.  

AFC definitely don’t care about our confederation but as alluded to above, the 1.5 WC spots would count for a lot. Even though it means it will be much harder to make any World Cup’s post 2026, it is absolutely something we should sacrifice if it’s an option. I can see NZF being too shortsighted to green light it though. I’d expect the islands to be even more opposed to it. Under the current system they have a tiny chance, within Asia they’d have none.

Seems like the most likely change would be top down from FIFA.

I want to add that I can understand players building their club careers skipping NZ games, because that is mutually beneficial, we will hopefully reap the rewards of that later if players end up having better club careers and become better players as a result. But Chris Wood made it a long time ago, he reached the top, he isn't going to be getting much better at the age of 32, and occasional All Whites trips are not going to make very much of a dent at this point. The time for a fit Chris Wood to be skipping NZ games to prioritise his club should be over in my view. 

So what if the teams we play aren't that great all the time. So what if it is a long trip to play them. As Kiwis we should value the NZ team and NZ games as much as any other country values theirs.

And I agree with loyalgunner, AFC won't ever care about us, FIFA are probably our best hope of getting into a better situation for more regular competitive games. But FIFA wont have much of a reason to act if we aren't regularly battering our OFC opponents. If we have a culture of our games not mattering, then it is more likely we limp to less convincing wins and FIFA can look at the status quo and say "no problems here".  

In terms of Wood, given we are almost definitely in the next World Cup I think he should be involved with the AW’s as much as he can in the lead up. Given he was 18 at the last World Cup and got limited chances, I feel like this may be the attitude he’ll take. Post 2026 I’d still love to see him in the white shirt but reckon it’s fair he prioritises club football for his remaining years in the game.

coochiee

I want Chris Wood to play every major competitive friendly for the AWs in the leadup to 2026 WC. Yes you do want him to get more in sync with Old and others, he may not have played that much with. There should hopefully be 8 good tough friendlies next year (June, Sept, Oct & Nov windows). Then another 4 or so in 2026 pre the WC itself - the March '26 window and a few warmups just prior the tourney kick off.

Personally I get far more excited about watching the AWs tackle likes of Mexico & US, than waltzing past the OFC minnows. NZ will highly likely be the weakest team even at a 48 team WC. 100% we will not play anyone in our group where we have 70% of the ball like against the Island teams. Even Malaysia will be far weaker than anyone we play in Nth America. Over these next 3 windows we will learn very little new about the AWs, and they offer nothing as a barometer of how the team will go at the big dance in just under 2 years.

Over the next 2 windows I think Wood should probably start against Taihiti & Vanuatu (in the Tron after all). Ride the pine for Malaysia & Samoa. But if he is carrying any sort of niggle, we don't need him at all. Yes definitely call him up in March next year for the semi & final, he can grab himself a couple more hat tricks.

But any nerves we had about the AWs stumbling against the Island teams, were massively lessened by easily winning the Nations Cup (ie they are still to be blunt piss weak) when missing a host of players, and those nerves became nil when OFC kindly gave us home advantage for 4 of our 5 qualifying games (incl semi & final)

And AFC don't give a fudge about OFC, or if the results there are lopsided. Though they might have an interest in the 1 automatic WC spot & 1 WC playoff tourney spot that could be gained by yes tacking on the OFC nations, to their qualifying program.  

Not sure we will be the weakest team - some pretty big minnows could make it from Africa, while CONCACAF qualifying is going to throw up some interesting qualifiers without the big three sides (and now they have more spots in total than ever)

Yes I should have softened that slightly by saying one of the weakest. All a bit moot as we are going to be in Pot D for the draw, however which way you analyse it. And again there is going to be no one qualifying as weak as Malaysia let alone the OFC bunch.

The FIFA rankings have their limitations, but using them as a guide, we will likely be the lowest ranked team in North America in 2 years

AWs ranked 95th. 2026 WC qualification -

CAF 9 teams qualify direct - they have 21 teams FIFA ranked higher than us.
Congo DR who were drew with are their 10th best ranked team at 58. The Gambia who were beat 2-0 are their 40th best ranked team at 135

Based off that Congo result (they were pretty full strength from memory), yes there could be a few CAF qualifiers at the WC, at our level. Maybe 2-3 of their 9 qualifiers.

CONCACAF 3 teams extra to the 3 hosts qualify direct - they have 7 teams extra to the 3 hosts (so 10 in total), FIFA ranked higher than us. Costa Rica who we unluckily lost to are their 5th best ranked team at 50. Curacao who were beat 2-1 are their 10th best ranked team at 88

Panama (37th) & Costa Rica (50th) will likely get 2 of the 3 CONCACAF spots. The 3rd team someone of Jamaica (61st), Honduras (77th), El Salvador (80th) etc. And yeah they are probably about our level.

https://inside.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/men

I think the highlight would be if Forest could get a little jammy, jag a nice draw, make a FA cup final and our Christopher heads the winner in extra time.

Until then him starting in the premiership each week, scoring each couple of games and me being able to watch him live each week is Christmas.

Must be close to seeing a squad announcement? 

Sorry @imanix wanted to reply to one particular comment. 

You say that Chris Wood won’t get better at 32. That’s ignoring the reality that his club career is very definitely on an upward swing. He had a weak final half year at Burnley and a torrid time at Newcastle. 

However, since then at Forest he’s improved his conditioning and Gibbs-White and Elanga have been finding him in scoring positions. He’s had one of his best seasons, with some of his best goals ever last season. I want him to continue that upswing to its ceiling and sustain it as long as possible.

Excessive long haul travel is disruptive to your body changing climates and time zones, as well as the different pressures on the body in the process of air travel itself. It’s also playing on pitches which are not maintained for professional football, despite the best efforts of the staff. That’s risky. 

We should be aiming to achieve things in 2026. But I’d prefer Wood to manage his workload and still be demanding Premier League selection based on the volume of his goals, backed up by his clear commitment to keeping injury free and in good shape. We saw Ryan Nelsen manage his AW time and he is still remembered as a good pro in the UK. 

If he has a good couple of years for club and still has some surprise pace or turns in his legs in two years, then the AWs can only benefit from that. 

imanixsupporter

And I agree with loyalgunner, AFC won't ever care about us, FIFA are probably our best hope of getting into a better situation for more regular competitive games. But FIFA wont have much of a reason to act if we aren't regularly battering our OFC opponents. If we have a culture of our games not mattering, then it is more likely we limp to less convincing wins and FIFA can look at the status quo and say "no problems here".  

It’s not about games not mattering, it’s about managing players. You don’t need to have Wood play every game to beat nations ranked in the hundreds. If we can’t beat the island nations without Woodsie, we’re gunna get smashed at the WC in any case. 

Reliably informed that the squad for the October window will be named tomorrow.

Tricky squad to pick in some ways with ALM kicking off within days of these games. Last year for the October window, Bazeley didn't pick one ALM player, but those Congo & Aussie friendlies were yes in Europe.

Squad for US & Mexico games in September

Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe, Alex Paulsen, Oli Sail

Defenders: Tyler Bindon (replaced by Tuiloma), Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Dalton Wilkins (replaced by Sutton), Tim Payne, Nando Pijnaker, Tommy Smith, Finn Surman

Midfielders: Joe Bell, Matt Garbett, Alex Rufer, Ben Old, Sarpreet Singh (replaced by Rogerson), Marko Stamenic

Forwards: Kosta Barbarouses, Elijah Just, Ben Waine, Chris Wood

Guess at a squad for the October - Tahiti & Malaysia games

Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe, Alex Paulsen, Michael Woud

Defenders: Tyler Bindon, Bill Tuiloma, Nando Pijnaker, Tommy Smith, Finn Surman, Liberato Cacace, Sam Sutton, Tim Payne,

Midfielders: Joe Bell, Matt Garbett, Alex Rufer, Callum McCowatt, Ben Old,  Marko Stamenic

Forwards: Andre De Jong, Kosta Barbarouses, Elijah Just, Ben Waine, Chris Wood

So changes from September squad -
Ins - Woud, McCowatt, ADJ
Outs - Sail, Boxall, Rogerson
Injured/unavailable - Wilkins, Singh, Boxall.  Could be a few others.

MLS - 36 yr old Boxall. Minny have 3 games this week, and 4 plane flights (Salt Lake City & Vancouver). Plus the MLS is at the business end. AWs don't need him for these games, as was shown when he didn't play again top 20 side the USA (1-1  draw).

3rd keeper - chucked in Woud. No point taking Oli Sail out of Glory preseason to be the 3rd GK. Is Sail certain to start for Perth ahead of Cook? Higher risk of losing out to Cook, if he's away for a week with the AWs.

You could bring over Tzanev, Gray or Sims from Europe but is there much point?
Crocs in goal for both games. Paulsen on the pine against Tahiti, then back to Auckland FC getting ready for their first ever game. Auckland's 2nd choice GK Woud on the pine for the Malaysia match

Alternative picks from the Northern Hemisphere if Bazeley leaves most of the ALM guys at their clubs - Tzanev, McGarry, Stanger, Kyle Adams, Kirwan, Dibley-Dias, Herdman. And if he feels like a long overdue trip to NZ, and an actual game of football - Ryan Thomas.

Again I can see ALM guys being utilised against Tahiti in Vanuatu, but an almost totally non ALM selection running out against Malaysia on the 14th - only 4 days before the A League kicks off. Bazeley may see it different.

Baze might help out his mate Corica by having the AWs matching up in a runaround against Auckland FC at Albany, just prior the Malaysia game.

Be interesting watching ADJ get a chance sitting just in behind Wood or Waine.

Could be quite different in the November window (Vanuatu & Samoa). Might be that alot of ALM guys get a chance then. Some of LK-H, Roux, Ingham, Elliot, FDV, Howieson, Rogerson, Randall, Champness, Rojas, OVH, Bayliss, Mata etc

Moment of truth whether De Jong's recent good form has earned him a recall. Would be the first time he will play under Bazeley as AWs coach, but the two have a strong connection. 

De Jong played under Bazeley at Wanderers SC, the 2013 U17 OFC Championship/WC, and the 2015 U20 WC.

I hope Tuiloma isn't picked. Isn't playing senior minutes and didn't exactly impress in the last window. Bindon, Surman, Pijnaker & Smith is plenty of CBs for a 2 game window, and you could pick Elliott or Sheridan to back up Payne at RB. If Bindon is seen as an RB option then Hughes or LKH can come in at CB. Bill is surplus to requirements.

Fingers crossed Roux comes back in this time, or at least someone is able to ask Bazeley about his continued absence. Thomas won't be in this squad but would like somebody to ask Baze for an update on that front too, is he still in touch with him, is it still a possibility further down the track *if* he is able to start playing regularly at club level again?

De Jong would be interesting but I don't expect he will be much better than any of our other Wood alternatives. Didn't really stand out during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. 

Wouldn't mind seeing Kosta dropped. He doesn't do much for the All Whites against non-OFC opposition, hasn't for a long time, and at age 34 he's one player I'd like to be fully fresh for the start of the Nix's season. Give Rojas a run instead. 

I think Waine should stay in England for this window. He is in a critical moment in his career and needs to do everything he can to earn club starts. Wouldn't mind if Mata comes in to replace him. 

Wonder if McCowatt will travel without any minutes under his belt this season yet. 

Waine staying in the UK is not a bad call. As yet it hasn't been announced which League One fixtures will proceed through the October window, and which will be postponed. 

If Mansfield Town don't have their scheduled fixture postponed, reasonable that Waine does stay on with MT, as he looks to cement himself at the club. Mata an okay replacement, and yeah big bodied ADJ who yes isn't a no 9, could do a job as well.

likewise regarding Tuiloma.

I don’t have an issue if one of our players is in a league that is at a higher level but is only getting bench time.

He is a big unit naturally but in his case he was clearly carrying way too many pounds .

Therefore until he starts playing regularly then I wouldn’t pick him

imanixsupporter

I hope Tuiloma isn't picked. Isn't playing senior minutes and didn't exactly impress in the last window. Bindon, Surman, Pijnaker & Smith is plenty of CBs for a 2 game window, and you could pick Elliott or Sheridan to back up Payne at RB. If Bindon is seen as an RB option then Hughes or LKH can come in at CB. Bill is surplus to requirements.

Fingers crossed Roux comes back in this time, or at least someone is able to ask Bazeley about his continued absence. Thomas won't be in this squad but would like somebody to ask Baze for an update on that front too, is he still in touch with him, is it still a possibility further down the track *if* he is able to start playing regularly at club level again?

De Jong would be interesting but I don't expect he will be much better than any of our other Wood alternatives. Didn't really stand out during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. 

Wouldn't mind seeing Kosta dropped. He doesn't do much for the All Whites against non-OFC opposition, hasn't for a long time, and at age 34 he's one player I'd like to be fully fresh for the start of the Nix's season. Give Rojas a run instead. 

I think Waine should stay in England for this window. He is in a critical moment in his career and needs to do everything he can to earn club starts. Wouldn't mind if Mata comes in to replace him. 

📣 SQUAD ANNOUNCED 📣

The All Whites squad for our home match vs Malaysia at North Harbour Stadium this October, and our OFC @FIFAWorldCup Qualifier vs Tahiti in Vanuatu, has been announced.

🎟️Book tickets for All Whites vs Malaysia on 14 October from https://t.co/GAgPGHl80h pic.twitter.com/naRVfUvvmn

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) September 30, 2024

Roux returns! Bindon back from injury, understandably no Singh, McCowatt, or Wilkins, and even De Jong's recent good form hasn't earned him a recall.

Sail, Sutton, Barbarouses, Paulsen, Payne, Rufer, Roux, Smith, Howieson, and Rogerson make up the A-League players in the squad.

Wusty Wab

📣 SQUAD ANNOUNCED 📣

The All Whites squad for our home match vs Malaysia at North Harbour Stadium this October, and our OFC @FIFAWorldCup Qualifier vs Tahiti in Vanuatu, has been announced.

🎟️Book tickets for All Whites vs Malaysia on 14 October from https://t.co/GAgPGHl80h pic.twitter.com/naRVfUvvmn

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) September 30, 2024

Roux returns! Bindon back from injury, understandably no Singh, McCowatt, or Wilkins, and even De Jong's recent good form hasn't earned him a recall.

No Finn Surman is ridiculous to be honest.

YoungHeartHM

Wusty Wab

📣 SQUAD ANNOUNCED 📣

The All Whites squad for our home match vs Malaysia at North Harbour Stadium this October, and our OFC @FIFAWorldCup Qualifier vs Tahiti in Vanuatu, has been announced.

🎟️Book tickets for All Whites vs Malaysia on 14 October from https://t.co/GAgPGHl80h pic.twitter.com/naRVfUvvmn

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) September 30, 2024

Roux returns! Bindon back from injury, understandably no Singh, McCowatt, or Wilkins, and even De Jong's recent good form hasn't earned him a recall.

No Finn Surman is ridiculous to be honest.

Yeah, I was suprised and disappointed about that, should be there instead of Pijnaker.

Wusty Wab

YoungHeartHM

Wusty Wab

📣 SQUAD ANNOUNCED 📣

The All Whites squad for our home match vs Malaysia at North Harbour Stadium this October, and our OFC @FIFAWorldCup Qualifier vs Tahiti in Vanuatu, has been announced.

🎟️Book tickets for All Whites vs Malaysia on 14 October from https://t.co/GAgPGHl80h pic.twitter.com/naRVfUvvmn

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) September 30, 2024

Roux returns! Bindon back from injury, understandably no Singh, McCowatt, or Wilkins, and even De Jong's recent good form hasn't earned him a recall.

No Finn Surman is ridiculous to be honest.

Yeah, I was suprised and disappointed about that, should be there instead of Pijnaker.

Hasn't had any minutes at Portland, so would assume it's a match fitness thing. Perhaps you could even say he's still properly bedding in stateside. 

But he should be there instead of Smith, who hasn't done much in a white shirt for a while now.

Great to see Roux back. 

Thin squad for the 2 games especially in midfield and probably some names I would’ve preferred to be left out just because of the travel and short turnaround from window to window. But definitely can’t be mad at picking the strongest available. 

However I’d love to know the reasoning behind Surman and Bell not being there. 

Would’ve loved to see the same XI vs the USA continue their progress in these 2 games.  

I understand Surman hasn’t been playing but this would’ve been a great chance to keep his match fitness up and build off his previous game vs USA. Hope match minutes isn’t the reasoning for his omission. 

YoungHeartHM

Wusty Wab

YoungHeartHM

Wusty Wab

📣 SQUAD ANNOUNCED 📣

The All Whites squad for our home match vs Malaysia at North Harbour Stadium this October, and our OFC @FIFAWorldCup Qualifier vs Tahiti in Vanuatu, has been announced.

🎟️Book tickets for All Whites vs Malaysia on 14 October from https://t.co/GAgPGHl80h pic.twitter.com/naRVfUvvmn

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) September 30, 2024

Roux returns! Bindon back from injury, understandably no Singh, McCowatt, or Wilkins, and even De Jong's recent good form hasn't earned him a recall.

No Finn Surman is ridiculous to be honest.

Yeah, I was suprised and disappointed about that, should be there instead of Pijnaker.

Hasn't had any minutes at Portland, so would assume it's a match fitness thing. Perhaps you could even say he's still properly bedding in stateside. 

But he should be there instead of Smith, who hasn't done much in a white shirt for a while now.

Good point.