Darren Bazeley is set to lead New Zealand’s national football team, the All Whites, into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the country’s first appearance in the tournament since 2010. The competition, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will see New Zealand aiming to make history, as it is only their third World Cup participation.
Bazeley, originally from Northampton, England, has an extensive background in youth football, having participated in numerous youth World Cups with New Zealand’s under-17 and under-20 teams. His journey began when he moved to New Zealand in 2005 after being invited by former teammate Danny Hay to join the New Zealand Knights. He quickly fell in love with the country and its culture, stating, “I just fell in love with the place straight away.”
The former professional player, who made nearly 300 appearances for Watford between 1989 and 1999, transitioned into coaching after retiring in 2008. His coaching career took off when he became involved with New Zealand football, leading to his appointment as assistant coach for the under-17 team, which qualified for the 2009 U17 World Cup.
Bazeley’s career progressed as he worked under various coaches, including Anthony Hudson, who aligned youth teams with the senior squad. Following Hudson’s departure after the 2018 World Cup, Bazeley took on the role of interim coach before being appointed permanently.
Since taking charge, Bazeley has led the All Whites in 26 matches, achieving 12 wins and 6 draws. New Zealand’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup was secured after an impressive performance in the Oceania Football Confederation, where they scored 29 goals and conceded just one against teams like Tahiti and Fiji.
Building a Competitive Squad
Bazeley is acutely aware of the challenges his team faces, especially given the limited opportunities for international matches in New Zealand. Most players in his squad are based abroad, with only two playing in their home nation. Veteran striker Kosta Barbarouses is among those playing in Australia, while the majority of the squad competes in leagues across Europe.
Bazeley maintains a close connection with his players through advanced analytics, using video packages to stay updated on their performances. He emphasizes the importance of team cohesion, saying, “A lot of our players grew up together…They’ve got this bond and this understanding.”
As the team prepares for key friendly matches against Colombia and Ecuador later this month, they aim to build on their recent successes. Bazeley is particularly focused on instilling a competitive spirit within the squad, stating, “We want to go to the World Cup to do something. We’re not just there to attend.”
Looking Ahead to the World Cup
New Zealand’s World Cup campaign will officially kick off with the draw on December 5, 2023. Bazeley is eager to see how his team matches up against some of the world’s best. With the absence of leading scorer Chris Wood due to injury, the squad will need to adapt and perform at their best.
Reflecting on his journey from player to coach, Bazeley expresses excitement about the opportunity to be part of the World Cup. “I’ve been watching World Cups since I was six years old. It’s the biggest event in the world, and we’re going to be there,” he says.
As New Zealand gears up for this monumental event, Bazeley’s leadership and vision will play a crucial role in determining how far the All Whites can go on the world stage. The team’s preparations are focused not just on participation but on achieving tangible success, aiming to secure their first win in World Cup history.
