All Whites up to 12-year world ranking high
- Dave Worsley
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
The All Whites have reached their highest ranking in 12 years, following qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in March and last month’s win over African champions Côte d’Ivoire in Canada.
The team has now climbed 23 places since Darren Bazeley took on the role with a four place rise to 82nd since April, the highest since October 2013 which was 79th.
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“We really believe in what we’re doing as a team, so it’s good to see that reflected in our new ranking, but we know we can still improve our position to better reflect where we feel this team should be,” said head coach Bazeley.
“We’ve been able to produce moments against higher-ranked teams over the last few years, with encouraging draws against the Republic of Ireland, the USA and Tunisia, but the win over reigning African champions Côte d’Ivoire in Toronto gives us real confidence that we can get results against big sides, which is hugely significant heading into the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“We have some great games coming up, all against highly ranked teams, so when we get to the tournament next year we should be in the best place to perform.”
The All Whites plan to have a full calendar of international fixtures in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
In September, they will take on Australia’s Socceroos for the historic Soccer Ashes trophy over two games, the first at GIO Stadium in Canberra on 5 September, followed by a home match at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on 9 September.
