First All Whites’ Squad Since FIFA World Cup Named For Games in China and Japan Including Debut for Stipe Ukich

Head coach Darren Bazeley has named his first All Whites’ squad following the FIFA World Cup 2026 for upcoming games against Palestine, China PR, Panama, and one of Ecuador or Japan.

Of the 23-players named, 16 were selected in Bazeley’s FIFA World Cup squad including goal scorers Eli Just and Finn Surman, as well as skipper Chris Wood.

With a number of players out of season, or having recently moved clubs, Bazeley’s squad looks to give opportunities to some new and returning faces including Owen Parker-Price, Sam Sutton, Dane Ingham, Dalton Wilkins, and uncapped duo George Stanger and Henry Gray.

There is also a debut All Whites call up for Stipe Ukich who has previously represented Aotearoa New Zealand at U-17 and U-20 level and currently plays for NK Istra 1961 in Croatia’s top-tier.

The full All Whites squad is:

Lachlan Bayliss (4/0) – Auckland FC, New Zealand
Tyler Bindon (28/3) – Charlton Athletic (loan), England
Callan Elliot (12/0) – Auckland FC, New Zealand
Henry Gray (0/0) – Wellington Phoenix (loan), New Zealand
Dane Ingham (14/1) – Sabah, Malaysia
Eli Just (47/12) – Swansea City, Wales
Callum McCowatt (35/4) – AGF, Denmark
Ben Old (27/2) – Saint-Étienne, France
Owen Parker-Price (3/0) – Örgryte, Sweden
Alex Paulsen (8 caps/ 0 goals) – Motherwell (loan), Scotland
Nando Pijnaker (25/0) – Auckland FC, New Zealand
Jesse Randall (14/2) – Dundee United, Scotland
Logan Rogerson (18/2) – Auckland FC, New Zealand
Alex Rufer (25/0) – Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Marko Stamenić (42/3) – Swansea City, Wales
George Stanger (0/0) – Kilmarnock, Scotland
Finn Surman (22/2) – Portland Timbers, USA
Sam Sutton (5/0) – Perth Glory, Australia
Stipe Ukich (debut) – NK Istra 1961, Croatia
Ben Waine (31/9) – Port Vale, England
Dalton Wilkins (3/0) – Sønderjyske, Denmark
Chris Wood (93/45) – Nottingham Forest, England
Michael Woud (6/0) – Auckland FC, New Zealand

Bazeley believes this squad blends the foundations of the FIFA World Cup squad from earlier this year, while also looking to give opportunities for players to establish themselves in the new cycle.

“This is an important squad for us as it is the first group we’ve brought together since the FIFA World Cup 2026.

“The World Cup was a significant milestone for this team, but these matches give us an opportunity to continue building on the progress we’ve made while also looking at players who can grow in the next phase of the journey.

“This squad reflects our desire to maintain that momentum and we’ve selected a group with a good mix of established internationals and players who have earned opportunities through their work at club level, including a debut call-up for Stipe Ukich who has been really impressive playing in a tough league in Croatia.

“The tour will be a valuable test against a range of different opponents and playing styles, from teams ranked in the 90s right up to sides who were also at the FIFA World Cup.

“The objective is always to win matches, but these tours are also about learning, improving and ensuring we are better prepared for the challenges ahead as we continue the journey as a team.”

Aotearoa New Zealand will face Palestine on 24 September 2026, kicking off at 9:30pm NZT, at Tongliang Long Stadium in Chongqing, China.

On 28 September 2026, kicking off at 12:35am NZT, the team will face China PR at Longxing Football Stadium, also in Chongqing, China.

The games come directly before the All Whites take part in the Kirin Cup 2026, alongside Ecuador, hosts Japan and Panama.

The All Whites will start against Panama on 1 October at Yokohama International Stadium, before facing either Ecuador or Japan in the final or third-place play-off on Monday 5 October at Tokyo’s National Stadium.

Following the September/October FIFA international window, the All Whites’ next games will see the team return home to Aotearoa to face India over two matches: at Go Media Stadium in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on 12 November and One New Zealand Stadium in Ōtautahi Christchurch on 15 November.

Tickets for the homecoming games, starting from $10 for children and $20 for adults, plus ticketing fees, can be booked through Ticketek.co.nz.

Article added: Tuesday 15 September 2026