Beijing Time (CEST) September 15 — The New Zealand Football Association officially announced the first national team squad since the 2026 World Cup. New Zealand will face China on September 28.

New Zealand head coach Bazley announced the first national team squad following the 2026 World Cup. The team will travel to China and Japan from late September to early October, facing Palestine, China, Panama, and Ecuador or Japan. The 23-player squad includes 16 players who participated in this year's World Cup, along with several new faces, including striker Stipe Ukich, who has received his first senior national team call-up.

Bazley is confident that this squad combines the core of the World Cup team from earlier this year while also focusing on giving players the opportunity to shine in the new cycle.

"This squad is important to us because it is our first meeting since the 2026 World Cup," said Bazley. "The World Cup was a significant milestone for this team, but these matches will allow us to build on the progress we have made and also assess players who can develop in the next phase of our journey."

"This squad reflects our desire to maintain momentum. We have selected a team of experienced international players and those who have earned their opportunity through club performances, including Stipe Ukich on his first national team call, who has impressed in the competitive Croatian league."

"This tour will be a valuable test against opponents with different styles, including teams ranked around 90th in the world and teams that also participated in the World Cup."

"Our goal is always to win, but this tour is also about learning, improving, and ensuring we are better prepared for challenges ahead as we continue our team's journey."

New Zealand's full squad is as follows:

Lachlan Bayliss Auckland FC

Brandon Charlton

Callum Elliott Auckland FC

Henry Gray Wellington Phoenix

Dan Ingham Sabah

Eli Just Swansea City

McCowatt AGF Aarhus

Old Saint-Étienne

Owen Parker Örgryte

Paulsen Motherwell

Pinnacle Auckland FC

Randall Dundee United

Rogerson Auckland FC

Rufer Wellington Phoenix

Stamenic Swansea City

Stanger Kilmarnock

Finn Surman Portland Timbers

Sutton Perth Glory

Stipe Ukich Istra 1961

Weiner Port Vale

Dalton Wilkins SønderjyskE

Chris Wood Nottingham Forest

Michael Woud Auckland FC

Beijing Time (CEST) September 24, 2026, 16:30 — New Zealand will play Palestine at Chongqing Tongliang Long Stadium (Note: The schedule initially listed on New Zealand's official website previously listed Turkmenistan as the opponent, but Turkmenistan was unable to participate, so adjustments may have been made). Beijing Time (CEST) September 27, 19:35 — the team will face China at Chongqing Longxing Football Stadium.

Next, New Zealand will participate in the 2026 Kirin Cup held in Japan, with group opponents including Ecuador, hosts Japan, and Panama. Beijing Time (CEST) October 1 — the team will play Panama at International Stadium Yokohama, followed by the final or third-place playoff on October 5 at Japan National Stadium against Ecuador or Japan.

After the international match window from September to October, the New Zealand team will return home to play two matches against India on November 12 at Go Media Stadium in Auckland and on November 15 at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.

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