The final 26 Panel for WC. PEOPLE'S PICK

Hi I just want to get your opinion about the final squad 

My Argentinian pick of NZ squad 

GK 
All current 3 crocombe, Paulsen, sail ,  maybe Woud.  

Df Boxall Smith Roux Surman Payne Cacace DeVries Bindon 

Mf Bell Rufer Stamenic Singh Garbett Thomas Old 

Fw Wood Barbarouses McCowatt and the 2 remaining spots among Rogerson/De Jong/ Mata/Wayne and the the other between Just/Randall

A lot can change in a year, but mine would be:

Goalkeepers: Paulsen, Crocombe, Sims
Defenders: Cacace, de Vries, Bindon, Surman, Boxall, Pijnaker, Payne, Roux
Midfield: Stamenic, Bell, Rufer, Thomas, Garbett, Singh
Forwards: Wood, Old, Barbarouses, Rogerson, Just, McCowatt

Most of them pick themselves, especially the midfield spots if fully fit - however a year is a long time in football, and we could easily see Roux drop out for any of Sheridan, Elliot or even Wynne if he kicks on in MLS.

It’s definitely an exciting time, I’m waiting for those with nz heritage to appear or declare.
As jazzy said a lot can happen in a year but MY 23 based on everyone FULLY FIT AND PLAYING (so realise my squad is a pipe dream) starters in capitals.
GK- CROCOMBE, paulsen, Nik. 
But simms could very well force his way in if he can somehow get that starting spot at Gais.
DEF
RB- PAYNE, Kirwan.
I like Kirwan and if he can get promoted to serie B and keep playing that would be huge. But Ronan wynne could very well get a mls spot and steal that position.
CB- BOXALL, Surman, BINDON, pjanaker .
No room in my squad for Tommy unless injury happens to either Bindon or pjanaker. Ones to watch are George stanger and if Irdale declares for nz. And Surman could easily usurp boxall as the starter
LB- CACACEE, Wilkins.
Obviously Wilkins is probably a pipe dream, like mcgarry guy just can’t stay injury free so De’vries brought in if he can’t make it.
CM- BELL, rufer, STAMENIC, garbet
ATKM- OLD, mccowart, THOMAS, just, SINGH, kosta.
Who knows who might be unearthed in the midfield now we’ve qualified? 
FWD- WOOD, waine.
There is every possibility that Rogerson could pip Waine if things don’t improve for him but I am on the Waine train and it’s my team.
Regardless there are going to be some disappointed players and fans when people don’t make the 23 squad.
And as always I apologise for my crap spelling 
  

Is it definitely a 23 man squad?

AucklandPhoenix

Is it definitely a 23 man squad?

According to Section 15(4) of the regulations, it appears to be 23 man squads

Do we talk about Lee Ho-Jae again?

LT01

Do we talk about Lee Ho-Jae again?

Provided he is eligible for citizenship (which he likely is based on time spent in NZ), it is very difficult for a Korean citizen to hold dual citizenship without renouncing Korean citizenship, which I’m almost certain he won’t do whilst he remains playing in Korea.

If he were able to figure out a way to gain NZ citizenship whilst retaining Korean citizenship, he would immediately become Wood’s heir and would potentially even start as part of a front two.

For now though, it’s nothing but a dream.

LT01

Do we talk about Lee Ho-Jae again?

2 goals (1 a pen) in 5 K League games for Pohang Steelers in their new season. Also a goal in the AFC Champions League Elite.

But as Friar Tuck says above the fact Sth Korea doesn't allow dual citizenship makes him a long shot for the AWs. He will be on the radar of a few European clubs, so maybe if he went to Europe he may consider getting a NZ passport. Obviously when playing in the K League it's best he has his Korean passport, so he's a non visa player in that league. 

But who knows maybe he's on the fringes of selection for the Sth Korean national team now. Wiki tells me he was part of a training camp for their national U23 team in 2021.

The big question for me is, who are the bolters?

In 2010, Tommy Smith and Winston Reid were not involved in qualifying, but joined the starting XI. 

In 1982, Kenny Cresswell became a starter after infrequently travelling with the team during qualifiers. Allan Boath also had a significant elevation.

reg22

The big question for me is, who are the bolters?

In 2010, Tommy Smith and Winston Reid were not involved in qualifying, but joined the starting XI. 

In 1982, Kenny Cresswell became a starter after infrequently travelling with the team during qualifiers. Allan Boath also had a significant elevation.

Thomas can come back into the fold, Dibley-Dias if he breaks into the Fulham squad or gets a good loan, Jack Iredale if he declares for us, Ronan Wynne if he breaks into the Atlanta first team, Niko Kirwan if he gets promoted and performs in Serie B.

Any notable dual nationals I’m missing?

21 yr old Ben Gibson at the Jets, is NZ eligible and has 4 goals in 17 ALM games this season. One to watch. Though he hasn't played since 21st Feb.

One of the younger brigade could have a standout U20 WC, but would then need to follow up with an outstanding club season 2025/26 to be a shot. 

reg22

The big question for me is, who are the bolters?

In 2010, Tommy Smith and Winston Reid were not involved in qualifying, but joined the starting XI. 

In 1982, Kenny Cresswell became a starter after infrequently travelling with the team during qualifiers. Allan Boath also had a significant elevation.

 Which player who featured a lot before qualification will make way, not play at all in the World Cup and then a year down the line two-foot stamp someone in a random friendly?

I think it may be a step too far for Boxall - but can’t see him starting afterwards for the two footer

carlind

reg22

The big question for me is, who are the bolters?

In 2010, Tommy Smith and Winston Reid were not involved in qualifying, but joined the starting XI. 

In 1982, Kenny Cresswell became a starter after infrequently travelling with the team during qualifiers. Allan Boath also had a significant elevation.

 Which player who featured a lot before qualification will make way, not play at all in the World Cup and then a year down the line two-foot stamp someone in a random friendly?

i like your work!

Jazzy Jeff

A lot can change in a year, but mine would be:

Goalkeepers: Paulsen, Crocombe, Sims
Defenders: Cacace, de Vries, Bindon, Surman, Boxall, Pijnaker, Payne, Roux
Midfield: Stamenic, Bell, Rufer, Thomas, Garbett, Singh
Forwards: Wood, Old, Barbarouses, Rogerson, Just, McCowatt

Most of them pick themselves, especially the midfield spots if fully fit - however a year is a long time in football, and we could easily see Roux drop out for any of Sheridan, Elliot or even Wynne if he kicks on in MLS.

Lachlan baylis? 

Stranger (spelling?) Isn't making it. Unless he suddenly jumps into the SPL.

Kirwin the same as hes behind Roux and Payne. 

Smith may be the hard luck story if Thomas goes... poor guy! 

But... it's very likely one or more of that 24 will get injured or have a drop of form...   garbett isn't even playing currently. 

Currently I don't think we have any youngsters waiting to break through and 'steal' a spot. GSR and LBS two example of that.

Most notable possibles for me are: Thomas, Iredale, Lee Ho Jae and Rojas.

If Smith isn't picked in the squad he will go as part of the extended management team as a mentor etc.

I'm going to list the players that I think will definitely make the squad if fit (and make themselves available). 

GK: Crocombe, Paulsen
DEF: Payne, Bindon, Surman, Pijnaker, Cacace, De Vries
DM: Bell, Stamenic, Rufer
AM: Old, Singh
FWD: Wood

14/23 nailed down. Everyone else there is some level of uncertainty. 

Third goalkeeper doesn't really matter. I'd stick with Sail at this point, nobody is unseating the first two, the third GK never plays, so might as well keep continuity and cohesion.

Kirwan the most notable threat to Roux's backup RB spot, with Elliot, Ingham, Sheridan other possibilities.

Boxall, Smith, Hughes, Stanger other options for the 4th CB spot. Boxall the favourite, if he shows no signs of slowing down in the next 12 months. 

Thomas to take the 4th DM position if fit. Howieson otherwise. There really isn't anybody else on the horizon.

Attacking midfield, Just is the most likely name I've left off the list. He's just about nailed on but if he is in bad form over the next 12 months it isn't like you can point to the club level he is playing at and say he has to be picked, 2nd div in Austria is worse than the A-League. I really hope he makes a move to a decent club level in the coming off-season. Garbett & McCowatt's places have to be under some threat after their form in this window but are likely to go. Rogerson is probably more in than out too, and that is your 6 likely players for those 3 attacking positions along with the aforementioned Singh & Old. The likes of Randall and Rojas will need very good A-League seasons next year to force their way in (I really hope Marco does that for the Nix). I don't think there is anyone else realistically in the running here. 

This most recent window is instructive in that Kosta seems to be considered a Wood backup rather than an option for the 3 positions behind him. He is favourite over Mata and Waine at the moment, if he can keep his current levels of sharpness over the next 12 months. Mata and Waine could easily force their way back in with a decent season though. 

Maybe this is sentimental but I particularly hope Kosta, Boxall, Thomas & Rojas make the squad if they can stay fit & play at or near their best over the next 12 months or so. Their rivals for squad places will get other chances. It's surely the last chance for all of them. And experience matters at big tournaments. I think the ABs not playing Ben Smith cost them the 2019 World Cup. 

Looking back..
Our midfield is miles ahead to what we had in 2010. Also we were still picking from unattached fc and amateurs back then. 

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/3676399/All-Whites-World-Cup-squad-named

One great thing about this World Cup qualification is that it should lead to:

1: Any player who may think he may not go around next year in a league, kicking on (i.e: Rojas, Smith etc)

2: Those on the periphery of their club teams or in more obscure leagues actively looking for opportunities  with AFC or the Nix to be in the shop window for selection (i.e. Tuiloma, De Jong, at a stretch Garbett)

Ahh I love it. 

Speculation galore for the next 15 or so months, with players coming out of the woodwork having decided they're now Kiwis, whereas previously it might have been like getting blood out of a stone in terms of getting these guys to commit. 

For what it's worth, I don't think we're too far removed from the squad we've just had for the qualifiers, compared to what we'll be taking to North America next year. Throw in a fit and raring to go Ben Old, and an increasingly confident and assured Finn Surman - who will both (assuming no injuries or setbacks between now and then) have another full season under their belts by the time the squad announcement rolls around. From the most recent squad I think most people would be able to deduce that they'd be stepping in for Randall and Smith respectively - My personal opinion on that one.

The great thing is that now we've qualified it is going to foster a competition for spots like we've never seen for the national team. What it will also do is force players to make the tough decisions on where and how they're going to maximize their playing time over the next year and a bit. 

Cases in point:
• Ben Waine needs a new club and fast! Think it was pretty clear that confidence for him must be in short supply after a rough time in England. Personally, if Mata wasn't injured for the qualifiers, the I think he takes Waine's spot this window.
• Garbett needs to sort his club career asap. Thought he was good against Fiji, but very average against New Caledonia. He needs the sharpness that only playing week in, week out will give him. Don't take too long to decide your next move lad!

As for the fringe guys. Well they're effectively in the chasing pack. It's up to them now to force the issue and make Bazely and co sit up and take notice.

My list of fringe guys are the ones who have been in and around the setup in recent years, and could conceivably be in contention should form warrant it.

• Bill Tuiloma
• Dalton Wilkins
• James McGarry
• Sam Sutton
• Alex Greive
• Michael Woud
• Cameron Howieson
• Dane Ingham
• Niko Kirwan
• Andre de Jong
• Callan Elliot

List of bolters for me would be anyone else who may have a cap or two, or play's at a level below, or perceived to be below the level required for an AW's call up. That, or they may only just be coming through as a younger player. Chuck in the ones who are on the fence eligibility wise as well.

• Kyle Adams
• Ronan Wynne
• Jay Herdman
• Lukas Kelly-Heald
• Fin Conchie
• Matt Dibley-Dias
• Ben Gibson
• Lachlan Bayliss
• George Stanger
• Stipe Ukich
• Henry Gray
• Kees Sims
• Finn Linder
• James Bulkeley
• Riley Bidois

Chuck in any of the likes of the young Phoenix or AFC lads who have seen a bit of game time recently as well - Brooke-Smith, Walker, Piper, Sheridan, Hughes etc. I don't think too many of the young Auckland guys have been playing much, but that could well change too.

Obviously the further you are down this list, you have a hell of a lot more work to do to work your way up it. But that can only be good, not just for the world cup, but the windows in the lead up, as well as long into the future (well at least the next 2-3 years without getting too far ahead of oneself).

reg22

carlind

reg22

The big question for me is, who are the bolters?

In 2010, Tommy Smith and Winston Reid were not involved in qualifying, but joined the starting XI. 

In 1982, Kenny Cresswell became a starter after infrequently travelling with the team during qualifiers. Allan Boath also had a significant elevation.

 Which player who featured a lot before qualification will make way, not play at all in the World Cup and then a year down the line two-foot stamp someone in a random friendly?

i like your work!

Who??

This guy?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pcxZUPVtE8

If LBS can force his way into the Nix starting line up and perform well can see him putting real pressure on for a spot. Would love to see him have a breakout season next year then take that form to the world cup. 
Cant allow sentiment to get in the way when selecting the team if it means someone who played in qualifiers misses out so be it. 

At 16 (17 in June) LBS is a very long shot at the moment. 

Lets see how he's goes at the U20 WC in a few months when he will come up against some of the best 19-20 yr olds in the world. Though the timing of the tourney means many of the best U20 players won't be there, as their Euro clubs won't release them. But he'd have to shine at that U20 level, before you could say he can foot it with some of the world's best adults.

But yeah agree there is still room for someone to say pick me, with an outstanding 2025/26 season in the ALM or elsewhere. That's exactly what Old (especially), Surman and Paulsen had last season. Real breakthrough campaigns, following which they have basically become automatic AW squad selections when fit/available.

A lot can happen between now and June next year.

I agree with his injury record,  and BELL and RUFER AND other players as holding midfielders ,  the cutting edge is  THOMAS to play his best initial position as a  #10 behind a 9  or as a false 9 next to other players on the sides,  the thing is if you play THOMAS there, you have to play positive football otherwise he would get isolated,  for me those are his position at the moment,  he could roam around as  al la Messi,  with no positional sense,  that he will get some freedom to thrive,  in a plan B,  I would like him to play behind wood , AS well there you have to play a flat  4-4-2  no WINGERS because as with argentina the width with Roux and Cacace you can have that ,  in ARGENTINA we say that in football to be aggressive and profound to score,  you need to be width,  so  from the flanks you break the offside rule, Roux has been the best right back in OCEANIA  for the last couple of years,  sometimes he is too  attacking 

Apparently LBS made an impression training with the AWs.

Well done AV for the number of quality AWs stories this week.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360628706/how-race-all-whites-world-cup-squad-places-shaping

Luke Brooke-Smith looms as a potential bolter, even though he is just 16 and has only just started his professional career at the Phoenix, as he looks like offering the rare ability (for a Kiwi) to create something out of nothing. He was one of three Phoenix youngsters to train with the All Whites last week, where it is understood he made quite the impression.

Tuiloma needs to get more game time. He could come back to the Phoenix, boss the a-league as a CB and then I'd include him in our 24 as he can cover RB/CB. Would push out Smith for sure then.
 
I'm shocked the stuff article has Garbett as all but confirmed. He needs to get a new club to prove himself or I'd rather Rogerson etc.

Next to Wood Garbett has been our best goal threat for the past 18 months. He is an all but lock at this stage - however, should he stagnate for another 12 months in reserve footy,  then he might have an issue.

It's waaaay too early to be picking a squad for near-on a year and a half away. There are some questions, though;
a) Crocombe will likely be in L2, Paulsen who knows where; where will Tzanev end up? Will he and/or Sims be given a go? 
b) Will Ayr be promoted to the SPL, bringing Stanger into contention? 
c) Will Ryan Thomas last? Or MDD? 
d) Will Lee Ho-Jae declare for NZ? (Aussie can get anyone whose ever watched Bondi Rescue to play for them, surely we can get someone who lived here.....). Are there any other dual nationality players in the wings that we don't know off?
e) Will Bens Waine and Gibson come good? 

Rusty Dunks

It's waaaay too early to be picking a squad for near-on a year and a half away. There are some questions, though;
a) Crocombe will likely be in L2, Paulsen who knows where; where will Tzanev end up? Will he and/or Sims be given a go? 
b) Will Ayr be promoted to the SPL, bringing Stanger into contention? 
c) Will Ryan Thomas last? Or MDD? 
d) Will Lee Ho-Jae declare for NZ? (Aussie can get anyone whose ever watched Bondi Rescue to play for them, surely we can get someone who lived here.....). Are there any other dual nationality players in the wings that we don't know off?
e) Will Bens Waine and Gibson come good? 

 I think we can all pick about 80% of the squad today and get it mostly right. It'll just be those players you mention there. I can't see the young phoenix striker making it etc. They need experience at this world cup.

Elemenop

Rusty Dunks

It's waaaay too early to be picking a squad for near-on a year and a half away. There are some questions, though;
a) Crocombe will likely be in L2, Paulsen who knows where; where will Tzanev end up? Will he and/or Sims be given a go? 
b) Will Ayr be promoted to the SPL, bringing Stanger into contention? 
c) Will Ryan Thomas last? Or MDD? 
d) Will Lee Ho-Jae declare for NZ? (Aussie can get anyone whose ever watched Bondi Rescue to play for them, surely we can get someone who lived here.....). Are there any other dual nationality players in the wings that we don't know off?
e) Will Bens Waine and Gibson come good? 

 I think we can all pick about 80% of the squad today and get it mostly right. It'll just be those players you mention there. I can't see the young phoenix striker making it etc. They need experience at this world cup.

You're right, it's all just picking players at the fringes. Or maybe a UK based pro suddenly discovers his granddad was from Kawerau.

Elemenop

Rusty Dunks

It's waaaay too early to be picking a squad for near-on a year and a half away. There are some questions, though;
a) Crocombe will likely be in L2, Paulsen who knows where; where will Tzanev end up? Will he and/or Sims be given a go? 
b) Will Ayr be promoted to the SPL, bringing Stanger into contention? 
c) Will Ryan Thomas last? Or MDD? 
d) Will Lee Ho-Jae declare for NZ? (Aussie can get anyone whose ever watched Bondi Rescue to play for them, surely we can get someone who lived here.....). Are there any other dual nationality players in the wings that we don't know off?
e) Will Bens Waine and Gibson come good? 

 I think we can all pick about 80% of the squad today and get it mostly right. It'll just be those players you mention there. I can't see the young phoenix striker making it etc. They need experience at this world cup.

I hope those selecting the team arnt as close minded to selecting players as you seem to be. If some young player comes out of the woodwork and has a breakout season demanding selection would much rather he get chosen than some of the older guys. Just because they are young dosnt mean they cant be effective at a World Cup. There have been any number of young footballers who have taken the chance given to them at a World Cup no reason at all to say why a Kiwi couldnt do the same thing.

ballane

Elemenop

Rusty Dunks

It's waaaay too early to be picking a squad for near-on a year and a half away. There are some questions, though;
a) Crocombe will likely be in L2, Paulsen who knows where; where will Tzanev end up? Will he and/or Sims be given a go? 
b) Will Ayr be promoted to the SPL, bringing Stanger into contention? 
c) Will Ryan Thomas last? Or MDD? 
d) Will Lee Ho-Jae declare for NZ? (Aussie can get anyone whose ever watched Bondi Rescue to play for them, surely we can get someone who lived here.....). Are there any other dual nationality players in the wings that we don't know off?
e) Will Bens Waine and Gibson come good? 

 I think we can all pick about 80% of the squad today and get it mostly right. It'll just be those players you mention there. I can't see the young phoenix striker making it etc. They need experience at this world cup.

I hope those selecting the team arnt as close minded to selecting players as you seem to be. If some young player comes out of the woodwork and has a breakout season demanding selection would much rather he get chosen than some of the older guys. Just because they are young dosnt mean they cant be effective at a World Cup. There have been any number of young footballers who have taken the chance given to them at a World Cup no reason at all to say why a Kiwi couldnt do the same thing.

W Rufer being the prime example, coming into the training group a few months out of school and halfway thru WC qualifying then showing the old heads first up what they were missing. " He was arrogant, he was naive, and he was bloody terrific". John Adshead. " His performance at that first session was incredible. He ran the defenders ragged. He was fit, strong and full of himself. It was magic.". Sam Malcolmson.

— Steve McClaren

Crystal ball time
3 Keepers - Max, Paulson, Sail
4 Wingbacks - Devires, Cacace, Payne, Roux
4 Centre Backs - Bindon, Boxall, Nando, Surman
8 Midfield - Bell, Garbett, McCowatt, Singh, Staminec, Rufer, Old, Thomas 
4 Forwards - Wood, Just, Barbarouses, Waine

The only bolters for me would be Thomas and Wilkins.  Thomas will need to start playing the International windows ASAP.  His last senior cap in 2019 so has not played with the majority of this team.  Wilkins can play both sides so great utility (competing with Roux and perhaps Devires - although he is a bolter himself this year). 

Don't see anyone else that is materially better outside of this group - more playing time together next 18 months against quality opposition and they will be ready....
 

Uncle N

Crystal ball time
3 Keepers - Max, Paulson, Sail
4 Wingbacks - Devires, Cacace, Payne, Roux
4 Centre Backs - Bindon, Boxall, Nando, Surman
8 Midfield - Bell, Garbett, McCowatt, Singh, Staminec, Rufer, Old, Thomas 
4 Forwards - Wood, Just, Barbarouses, Waine

The only bolters for me would be Thomas and Wilkins.  Thomas will need to start playing the International windows ASAP.  His last senior cap in 2019 so has not played with the majority of this team.  Wilkins can play both sides so great utility (competing with Roux and perhaps Devires - although he is a bolter himself this year). 

Don't see anyone else that is materially better outside of this group - more playing time together next 18 months against quality opposition and they will be ready....
 

Jack Iredale would be the other bolter if he can iron out his eligibility. However, playing a back 4 he probably doesn’t even start.

Cacace is better at LB and Bindon is better at CB. Iredale is very much left sided so you’d have to shift Bindon over to the right, or play him out of position instead of Boxall or Surman.

While Bindon has been playing on the left for NZ and Reading, I think you will find it is simply because he is so good and to accomodate the right footers like Boxall and no doubt his Reading team mate as well.

His more natural role is the right centre back role. This is evidenced by him having played right back for Reading when required as well. 

Jack Iredale would be a really good solid pickup, if not an amazing one.
Looks like he's currently playing as a LCB in a back 3/5 at Hibs.

He's played 20 of Hibs's 30 SPL games to date. 17 starts.
He'll be 29 in May and a bit injury prone. For sure better than Tommy Smith, but Pijnaker not entirely sure??

Problem for us (if he's eligible) is he's got 3 current Socceroos team mates at Hibernian. Lewis Miller, Triantis & Boyle. Those 3 could be in his ear, about hanging in there for an Australia callup.

He's been a fringe Socceroo for awhile, and Hibs who I think were bottom early season, are on a bit of a roll and up to 3rd now behind the Old Firm double act. He might still have hope of a Poppa phone call.

https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/03/15/scotland/premier-league/kilmarnock-fc/hibernian-football-club/4382485/

coochiee

Jack Iredale would be a really good solid pickup, if not an amazing one.
Looks like he's currently playing as a LCB in a back 3/5 at Hibs.

He's played 20 of Hibs's 30 SPL games to date. 17 starts.
He'll be 29 in May and a bit injury prone. For sure better than Tommy Smith, but Pijnaker not entirely sure??

Problem for us (if he's eligible) is he's got 3 current Socceroos team mates at Hibernian. Lewis Miller, Triantis & Boyle. Those 3 could be in his ear, about hanging in there for an Australia callup.

He's been a fringe Socceroo for awhile, and Hibs who I think were bottom early season, are on a bit of a roll and up to 3rd now behind the Old Firm double act. He might still have hope of a Poppa phone call.

https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/03/15/scotland/premier-league/kilmarnock-fc/hibernian-football-club/4382485/

I can't see Iredale switching to us. My old info is he wasn't that keen, though look at yer MDDs and yer Bertos' and yer Reids etc for a change of mind. 

Where would he play? Cacace and de Vries are certainties to go, and he isn't a CB in a back 4.