All Whites name squad for FIFA Series
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
The All Whites squad for the team’s final home games ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, against Finland and Chile, has been named, with Lachlan Bayliss earning his debut call-up.
Bayliss, previously part of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics New Zealand Olympic team, is selected after career-best form in the A-League Men, scoring five goals so far in 2026.
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Missing through injury are regulars Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Matt Garbett, Nando Pijnaker, Sarpreet Singh, and captain Chris Wood; however, all are set to return to play ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley was pleased to name Bayliss in the squad for two important games at home.
“These are two really important games for us as we continue building towards the FIFA World Cup, so it is great to name our squad to play in front of our home fans for the last time before the tournament.
“I want to congratulate Lachlan Bayliss on his debut All Whites call-up. He has been in great form over the last few months with Newcastle Jets, so I’m pleased to bring him in for the first time at senior level.
“We know the deadline for naming our FIFA World Cup squad is getting closer and closer, so we are pleased to be able to give opportunities to a number of players to state their case, especially with a few regulars unavailable for this window.
“Finland and Chile should be great tests for us, and we look forward to taking them on in front of all of our home fans at Eden Park.”
The All Whites will take on Finland and Chile as part of the first FIFA Series held in New Zealand, a competition designed to bring together four competing nations to play meaningful international fixtures against other top sides.
New Zealand squad:
Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe, Alex Paulsen, Michael Woud
Defenders: Callan Elliot, Tim Payne; Tyler Bindon, Finn Surman, Bill Tuiloma; Francis de Vries, James McGarry
Midfielders: Lachlan Bayliss, Joe Bell, Eli Just, Ben Old, Alex Rufer, Marko Stamenić, Ryan Thomas
Forwards: Kosta Barbarouses, Andre de Jong, Callum McCowatt, Jesse Randall, Logan Rogerson, Ben Waine
Fixtures
Friday, March 27, 7.15pm: v Finland; Eden Park, Auckland
Monday, March 30, 7.15pm: v Chile; Eden Park
