The Wellington Phoenix are cheering on a remarkable 14 past and present players at FIFA World Cup 2026.
Social media sensation Tim Payne isn’t the only Phoenix player in action at the men’s global football showpiece in North America.
Payne is one of three current Nix in the All Whites squad, alongside club captain Alex Rufer and attacking midfielder Sarpreet Singh.
A further 10 players in the New Zealand camp have previously played for the club.
Liberato Cacace, Finn Surman, Joe Bell, Alex Paulsen, Ben Old, and Ben Waine, like Singh, all came through the Phoenix academy before making moves abroad while Kosta Barbarouses, Michael Boxall, Callan Elliot and Callum McCowatt all launched their professional careers in Wellington.
It means half of the All Whites’ 26-strong World Cup squad have strong Phoenix ties.
Socceroos midfielder Cam Devlin also launched his career in Wellington.
Devlin was an unused substitute in Australia’s surprise 2-0 win over Türkiye in their tournament opener in Vancouver on Sunday.
Wellington Phoenix general manager David Dome has expressed the club’s pride in having 14 past and present players in action at the World Cup.
“It is incredible we are able to cheer on so many Nix players at the biggest sporting event on the planet,” Dome said.
“It places the Wellington Phoenix alongside powerhouse clubs like Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in terms of the clubs that are most represented at the World Cup.
“We’re particularly proud that seven players in the All Whites squad have come through the Phoenix academy.
“Our owners have invested heavily in the development of young Kiwi footballers and this is reward for them and the dedicated coaches and staff at Fraser Park.
“We wish all of our Phoenix players and the All Whites all the best. The whole country is behind you.
“And we want to congratulate the Socceroos on their impressive start to the tournament and we will continue to keep a keen eye on them and Cammy.”
The All Whites will open their campaign against the Islamic Republic of Iran in Los Angeles tomorrow (Tuesday, June 16).
New Zealand will play Egypt (Monday, June 22) and Belgium (Saturday, June 27) in their other group G matches in Vancouver.
Australia will return to action against co-hosts the U.S.A. in their second group D match on Saturday (June 20) before playing Paraguay on Friday, June 26.
