The Wellington Phoenix are proud three current squad members and 10 past Nix players, the majority of which came through the club’s academy, have been named in the All Whites squad for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Phoenix stalwarts Alex Rufer and Tim Payne and academy graduate Sarpreet Singh have secured selection in the final 26-strong squad for the tournament in North America.
Rufer and Payne have been teammates at the Nix for the past seven seasons, while Singh rejoined the club on loan in February after six and a half years playing in Europe.
Fellow academy graduates Alex Paulsen, Liberato Cacace, Finn Surman, Ben Old, Ben Waine and Joe Bell have also been named in the All Whites’ World Cup squad alongside former Phoenix first team players Kosta Barbarouses, Michael Boxall, Callan Elliot and Callum McCowatt.
Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill has congratulated all of the players on being selected.
“The 26 players named are part of an elite club of New Zealand footballers picked for a FIFA World Cup and they all deserve their spots,” Gill said.
“The fact that half of the final squad have come through the Phoenix is a tribute to everyone at the club.
“And it shows the incredible work that is happening at Fraser Park that seven academy graduates have been selected.
“We’re especially thrilled for Payney and Rufs who have earned their selections through consistent performances for the Nix, while Sarpreet has worked incredibly hard to come back from injury and secure his place.
“We obviously would have liked more current squad members in the squad and feel for Bill Tuiloma especially, but we know how difficult it would have been for Darren Bazeley and his selectors to decide the final places.
“We wish Baze and his team all the best in North America next month and look forward to cheering them on from the other side of the world.”
The All Whites will start assembling in Miami on Monday for a two-week training camp.
New Zealand will play international friendlies against Haiti and England in early June ahead of their World Cup opener against Iran in Los Angeles on Monday, June 15 (Tuesday, June 16 NZT).
The All Whites will also play Egypt and Belgium in the group stage.
