New Zealand’s squad for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, kicking off from Friday 10 November in Indonesia, has been named by head coach Martin Bullock.

The 21-player squad features 16 players based in Aotearoa New Zealand and 5 based overseas in Australia and England. 

14 players named in the squad were part of the side that won January’s OFC U-17 Championship to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup. 

The full squad is:

Goalkeepers:
Josh Brown Western Suburbs, New Zealand
Matt Foord Cashmere Technical, New Zealand
Eamonn McCarron Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

Defenders:
Luka Coveny Western United, Australia
Noah DuPont West Bromwich Albion, England
Jesper Edwards Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Dylan Gardiner Hamilton Wanderers, New Zealand
Athan Thompson Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

Midfielders:
Anaru Cassidy Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Matt D'Hotman Melville United, New Zealand
Paris Domfeh Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Anton Isaako Sydney FC, Australia
Marley Leuluai Burnley, England
Luke Mitchell Hamilton Wanderers, New Zealand
Nick Murphy Christchurch United, New Zealand
Mac Prathumphithak Christchurch United, New Zealand

Forwards:
Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Luke Supyk Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Stipe Ukich Auckland City, New Zealand
Nathan Walker Fencibles, New Zealand
Adam Watson Stoke City, England

New Zealand have been drawn in Group F at the tournament along with 2019 runners-up Mexico, UEFA European Under-17 Championship winners Germany and South Amercia’s fourth-placed qualifier Venezuela.

Men’s U-17 head coach Martin Bullock is excited to see his team test themselves on the global stage:

“After 2021 edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup was cancelled due to Covid, it is brilliant to be naming a squad representing the best new and emerging Kiwi talent in this age group. 

“I’m excited about the group we have assembled for this tournament with a good mix of local talent developed in New Zealand and players with overseas experience. 

“This tournament is going to be a really good test for us against some top sides in the group, but this is what we need to continue to develop on the international stage. 

“It also represents an amazing opportunity for our players to put themselves in the shop window for clubs around the world and help take that next step in their football development.”

The team will play all games at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, kicking off against Venezuela on Sunday 12 November at 4pm (local) / 10pm (NZT). 

In the second game the side will face Germany on Wednesday 15 November at 7pm (local) / Thursday 16 November at 1am (NZT).

The final group game sees the team face Mexico on Saturday 18 November at 4pm (local) / 10pm (NZT).

Watch the tournament live on FIFA+.

Article added: Tuesday 31 October 2023