Brooke-Smith, Gray in NZ's U-20 WC squad
- Dave Worsley
- Sep 12
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 14
All Whites squad members Luke Brooke-Smith and Henry Gray have been named in the New Zealand’s squad for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025, kicking off this month in Chile.
Head coach Chris Greenacre has named 21 players, 13 of which are based locally, with A-League sides Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix, and eight overseas in Croatia, England, and the USA.
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Brooke-Smith made his debut for the All Whites at Mt Smart against Australia while Gray featured in the squad.
Eighteen of the squad were part of the side that travelled to Santiago for warm-up fixtures against Chile in June.
Greenacre said the expreince a couple of months ago in Chile was a huge bonus when selecting the squad.
“I’m really pleased with the squad we have assembled to take to Chile for the FIFA U-20 World Cup which has a good blend of domestic and international experience.
“We have good pedigree at this tournament, with the team processing out of the group at the last four editions, so it is absolutely our target to do the same with this squad.
“Having been to Chile in June for our warm-up games, we have some idea of what to expect but obviously the tournament is going to be another level.
“We are up against three other good teams, including the hosts so it will be great to take them on in front of what I’m sure will be a big and passionate crowd.
“From speaking to the boys I know they are really excited, so we are all looking forward to boarding the plane and getting our FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign underway.”
New Zealand have been drawn in Group A at the tournament alongside hosts Chile, Egypt, and Japan.
The team start against the hosts on 28 September (KO 12pm) NZT, before facing Egypt on 1 October (KO 9am) NZT, with both matches played at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago.
They face Japan in their final group game on 4 October (KO 12pm) NZT at Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander in Valparaíso.
The full 21-player squad is:
Adama Coulibaly - Auckland FC, New Zealand
Finn McKenlay - Auckland FC, New Zealand
Oliver Middleton - Auckland FC, New Zealand
Codey Phoenix - Auckland FC, New Zealand
Josey Casa-Grande - Bristol City, England
James Bulkeley - North Texas SC, USA
Henry Gray - Ipswich Town, England
Troy Putt - Minnesota United, USA
Stipe Ukich - NK Istra 1961, Croatia
Keegan Kelly - University of Denver, USA
Luke Brooke-Smith - Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Fergus Gillion - Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Lukas Kelly-Heald - Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Xuan Loke - Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues - Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Jayden Smith - Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Luke Supyk - Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Nathan Walker - Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Ryan Watson - Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Noah DuPont - West Bromwich Albion, England
Joe Wallis - West Bromwich Albion, England
