Wood, Cacace among All Whites named for internationals

Chris Wood warms up during a training session. Photo: Getty Images

Premier League striker Chris Wood headlines the All Whites squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifier, while Storm Roux is back in the fold for the first time in over two years.

Defender Roux replaces Bill Tuiloma in the squad which played against the USA and Mexico last month.

Also missing from that squad are midfielder Joe Bell and defender Finn Surman.

Nottingham Forest's Wood and defender Tommy Smith are the only players who remain from New Zealand's last World Cup campaign, in South Africa 14 years ago.

Liberato Cacace, who plays in Italy (Empoli FC), and Marko Stamenić, who is plying his trade in Greece (Olympiacos, on loan from Nottingham Forest), are also among the players named.

The 21-player squad has three changes from September's USA tour, with Reading FC defender Tyler Bindon, Auckland FC midfielder Cam Howieson, and Central Coast Mariners defender Storm Roux returning.

All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley was looking forward to getting his team together at an important moment for the side.

"It's always great to name an All Whites squad, but with this window marking both the start of our FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers and our first home game of the year, it is particularly exciting.

"We have been building all year for this, so it is great to finally get underway as we look to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the third time in our history.

"This is a strong squad with real competition for places from the 50-plus players we are monitoring, we are having to make hard decisions which is what you want as a coach.

"It is great to welcome Storm back for this window after him not being available for the last couple of tours, as well as Cam and Tyler who weren't part of the USA tour, I know they all can't wait to be back out on the pitch again wearing the fern."

The All Whites take on Tahiti in a 2026 World Cup Qualifier in Vanuatu on 11 October before hosting Malaysia at North Harbour Stadium on 14 October.

The All Whites will play three matches in New Zealand this spring, with the team following up the Malaysia fixture with World Cup qualifying games against Oceania rivals Vanuatu in Hamilton on 15 November and Samoa in Auckland on 18 November.

GOALKEEPERS

Max Crocombe (11/0) Burton Albion, England

Alex Paulsen (1/0) Auckland FC, New Zealand (on loan from AFC Bournemouth)

Oli Sail (9/0) Perth Glory, Australia

DEFENDERS

Tyler Bindon (10/0) Reading FC, England

Michael Boxall (51/0) Minnesota United, USA

Libby Cacace (27/1) Empoli FC, Italy

Tim Payne (39/2) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

Nando Pijnaker (21/0) Auckland FC, New Zealand

Storm Roux (11/0) Central Coast Mariners, Australia

Tommy Smith (56/2) Auckland FC, New Zealand