The All Whites, New Zealand’s national men’s football team, are preparing to play Ukraine in the Canadian Shield tournament at 9 a.m. NZT on 11th June, following a 1–0 victory over Côte d’Ivoire. The match is part of their build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
The win against Côte d’Ivoire has boosted the team’s confidence, but players know the next year will be very important. With the World Cup coming up, many of New Zealand’s top players are thinking about their next moves in club football.
Some, like 23-year-old Ben Waine, are looking for new clubs. Waine, who most recently played for Mansfield Town on loan, is now a free agent. He says playing time is key if he wants to be part of the World Cup squad.
Others, such as Finn Surman, made tough choices earlier in the season to focus on their club careers. Surman skipped some New Zealand matches to settle in with the Portland Timbers in the U.S., and now he’s back with the national team.
He believes his decision has paid off, as more regular playing time has made him a stronger player. With more competition for spots on the team, the All Whites hope to be in top shape for the big games ahead.
