Chris Wood, Libby Cacace and Marko Stamenic (pictured) have been named for the games against Tahiti and Malaysia. Photo / Photosport
Chris Wood, Libby Cacace and Marko Stamenic (pictured) have been named for the games against Tahiti and Malaysia. Photo / Photosport
All Whites’ coach Darren Bazeley is getting closer to his strongest possible squad, ahead of the start of the FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
The road to the 2026 tournament starts next Friday, with the match against Tahiti in Vanuatu, followed by home games against Vanuatu and Samoa next month. While the All Whites will be heavy favourites, they will also be wary of mitigating against any slip ups or complacency, especially in the away fixture.
In previous qualifying campaigns some of the Oceania games have seen experimental lineups, with not all the European based players making the trip, due to their club commitments and the extra logistical puzzle of getting to the Pacific. But most of the big guns are available this time, with Chris Wood, Marko Stamenic, Libby Cacace, Matt Garbett and Ben Old all confirmed in the squad named on Tuesday. Promising defender Tyler Bindon also returns, after missing the previous international window with concussion.
The most notable omissions are Joe Bell and Sarpreet Singh. Bazeley said that Bell’s absence was pre-arranged, after discussions with the player and his Norwegian club at the start of this year.
”We agreed with Joe and the club that he would be available for most of them but not all,” said Bazeley, explaining that Bell has had significant international commitments over the last years. The coach added that Bell has “already committed” for the November window.
Singh, who ended his search for a club when he signed with Portuguese second division club Uniao de Leiria in August, is back in training after being forced out of the United States tour with injury. Bazeley said he could have made the trip but it wasn’t worth the risk, given he hasn’t played since the Paris Olympics.
”It probably doesn’t suit him at the moment”, said Bazeley.
All Whites midfielder Marko Stamenic
Photo credit: Trevor Ruszkowski / www.photosport.nz
Finn Surman’s omission was also pragmatic. The 21-year-old impressed in the 1-1 draw with the USA but has yet to take the field with new MLS club Portland Timbers and needs time in that environment.
”We looked at what’s best for him right now, it’s a good opportunity to push himself at his club,” said Bazeley. Domestic stalwart Cameron Howieson has replaced Bell, one of five Auckland FC players in the squad, along with a quartet from the Wellington Phoenix.
Another A League regular Storm Roux has been called up for the first time in two years, though Bazeley said it was not as “out of the blue” as it seemed, as Roux has been on the short list for two of the last three squads before injury intervened.
Bill Tuiloma needs match time to be considered, while Callum McCowatt is returning to full fitness after injury. Bazeley added that the likes of Marco Rojas, Max Mata and Joey Champness will have opportunities to impress in the upcoming A League season, to press their claims for November.
Along with the Tahiti match, there is also a friendly international against Malaysia on October 14 at North Harbour Stadium, to make the most of the October window.
All Whites squad to face Tahiti and Malaysia
GOALKEEPERS:
Max Crocombe (11/0) Burton Albion, England
Alex Paulsen (1/0) Auckland FC, New Zealand (on loan from AFC Bournemouth)
