The All Whites squad for next weekend’s FIFA World Cup qualifier games have been named. 

The All Whites play Vanuatu in their first ever game in Hamilton on Friday November 15, kicking off at 7.30pm. After the match they head back to Auckland, and play Samoa on Monday November 18 in the final game of Group B in the Oceania World Cup qaulifiers.

The squad includes three players who played some of their junior and youth football in our region:

New Zealand's Chris Wood celebrates his goal. New Zealand v Malaysia, North Harbour Stadium, Monday 14 October 2024. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.nz

Captain and Striker Chris Wood played for Cambridge FC, Hamilton Wanderers and Waikato FC as a teen, before moving to West Bromwich Albion in England as a 16 year old. His last game in Hamilton was in 2008. More about Chris Wood.

He currently plays in the English Premier League for Nottingham Forest. This week he won October’s Premier League Player of the Month, making him both the first Nottingham Forest player in history to win AND the first Kiwi in history to win.

He ALSO picked up the PFA Premier League Fan's Player of the Month for October!

He’s been capped 78 times, and scored 36 times for New Zealand, making him this country's leading goal scorer.

All Whites Nando Pijnaker. All Whites v China PR, Mt Smart Stadium, Thursday 23 March 2023. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.nz

Defender Nando Pijnaker was born in the Netherlands and moved to Rotorua as a three year old. He played his junior and youth football in Rotorua, debuting for the Ngongotaha AFC first team at 15. He moved to Wellington the following year, joining the Olé Academy and their affiliated club, Western Suburbs. In 2019 he made the move to Europe, and has played in Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark and Ireland.

He signed for Auckland FC earlier this year, and has started every game. He scored the last minute winner in their second game. He’s been capped 22 times for the All Whites.

Logan Rogerson celebrates his goal. New Zealand v Malaysia, North Harbour Stadium, Monday 14 October 2024. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.nz Reference

Logan Rogerson was born in Hamilton, and grew up in Ngaruawahia. He played for Hamilton North and Hamilton Wanderers before moving to Wellington to join the Phoenix. He’s played in Europe, in Germany, Finland and Armenia. He’s currently signed to Auckland FC - he’s started every game, and scored in their first ever game.

He’s been capped 13 times for the All Whites, and scored two goals.

ALL WHITES UPCOMING GAMES

15 November 2024 KO 7:30pm NZT
All Whites vs Vanuatu 
FIFA World Cup 2026 – OFC Qualifiers 
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

18 November 2024 KO 7:30pm NZT
All Whites vs Samoa 
FIFA World Cup 2026 – OFC Qualifiers 
Go Media Stadium, Auckland

Tickets for both games are $20 for adults and $5 for children (plus ticketing fees) and available from Ticketek at https://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=NZF2024

All games are available live and free on FIFA+. 

Article added: Saturday 09 November 2024