The Wellington Phoenix feature heavily in the New Zealand squad to compete in the OFC U16 Men’s Championship.
With eight academy players named, the Nix are the biggest contributors to the side looking to defend their title in the Solomon Islands.
Joseph Chalabi, Jack Clegg, Willem Des Tombe, Cailean Hamilton, Marley Hunt, Joe McIntyre, Cruz Pietersen, and Ben Trenberth are the Phoenix players involved.
Chalabi, Des Tombe, Hamilton, McIntyre, and Christchurch International Cup MVP Trenberth all also featured for the New Zealand U16s in the FIFA Youth Series in May, where they finished second.
U16 All Whites head coach Martin Bullock says that the squad represents a new cycle for the team.
“It is great to give opportunities to a number of new players to test themselves at international level, as well as reward some players who took part in the FIFA Youth Series in May.
“I’m now looking forward to getting over to the Solomon Islands and getting to work with this group.”
New Zealand have been drawn in Group B at the tournament alongside New Caledonia, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands.
The team will open against Samoa on 18 August 2025 at 1pm NZT, before facing New Caledonia on 21 August 2025 at 1pm NZT, and Solomon Islands on 24 August 2025 at 4pm NZT.
All games will be streamed live and free on FIFA+.
