All Whites vs Vanuatu

FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

Friday 15 November KO 7:30pm

Book tickets from Ticketek

Watch live and free on FIFA+


After two back to back wins in October, the All Whites play the second of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers this Friday night, taking on Vanuatu for the third time this year. 

The last time the sides faced each other was the final of the OFC Men’s Nations Cup, which saw the All Whites win 3-0 in Port Vila.  

The game at FMG Stadium Waikato is the first full All Whites international played in Kirikiriroa Hamilton and will be especially significant for Logan Rogerson and Chris Wood who grew up in the city. 


Likely Team:

Head coach Darren Bazeley has selected a large, full strength squad for the game, naming 24 players compared to 21 for the last match window. 

He is expected to stick with the same 4-3-3 formation the team has used for a number of games, but has options across the park giving him some good selection challenges. 

After not being part of the last games, Joe Bell, Callum McCowatt, Sarpreet Singh and Finn Surman will be keen to push their way back into the contention. 

After a great start to their Auckland FC careers, Francis de Vries, selected for the first time in over a year, and Liam Gillion, who could be in line to make his All Whites debut, will also be keen to make an impact. 

After both scoring in the 4-0 win over Malaysia last month, Logan Rogerson and Chris Wood will be looking to find the net again in their home town in front of their friends and whānau. 

 

What Head Coach Darren Bazeley Said About Vanuatu:

“We played them twice at the Nations Cup, they are a different squad from then, we are as well, so we’ve had a look at them and know some of their players. 

“It will be interesting to see how they attack the game. We did a bit of work on Tahiti and then they went into a different shape and style of play in that game, playing a defensive deep block. 

“So potentially that might happen but I think we are in a place where whatever the opposition do we’ll know how we can play against that.”


Player to Watch: Brian Kaltak 

One of the best defenders in the A-League Men, back to back Championship winner with Central Coast Mariners, Vanuatu captain Brian Kaltak is the GOAT of football in his homeland.


Where to Watch:

Catch the match live and free on FIFA+ from 7:30pm tonight.

Article added: Friday 15 November 2024