New Zealand U-19 Men’s Head Coach José Figueira has named a 21-player squad for the OFC U-19 Championship, set to take place in Apia, Samoa, from 1-14 September 2026.

The 2026 OFC U-19 Men's Championship serves as the Oceania qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup, to be hosted in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

The top two teams earning qualification as the region's representatives.

Drawn in Group B, New Zealand will face Tahiti, Fiji, and Vanuatu in the group stage in Apia. The Kiwis open their campaign against Tahiti on 2 September, before taking on Fiji on 5 September and Vanuatu on 8 September.

The top side in Group B will advance to the knockout stage, with New Zealand aiming to build momentum through the pool phase as it targets both regional success and qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

The squad features predominately players from clubs in New Zealand with Auckland FC providing the largest contingent with 9 players selected, while Wellington Phoenix FC contributes three players.

The squad includes players developing in Australia's professional and semi-professional systems, with representatives from Western Sydney Wanderers FC and Sydney Olympic FC.

Alex Lienard's inclusion from Sunderland AFC gives the squad a connection to a high-level English football academy environment.

New Zealand squad for OFC U-19 Championship:

Victor Barbosa (Unattached)
Aaron Cartwright (Auckland FC)
Bailey Ferguson (Unattached)
Van Fitzharris (Auckland FC)
Ricky Fransen (Western Sydney Wanderers FC)
George Green (Western Suburbs FC)
Oliver Grosso (Christchurch United)
Waisea Henry (Christchurch United)
Harley Hill (Auckland FC)
Anton Isaako (Sydney Olympic FC)
Eli Jones (Auckland FC)
Damion Kim (Auckland FC)
Alex Lienard (Sunderland AFC)
Nathan Martin (Auckland FC)
Eamonn McCarron (Wellington Phoenix FC)
Dejaun Naidoo (Auckland FC)
Daniel Nelson (Wellington Phoenix FC)
Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues (Unattached)
Jayden Smith (Wellington Phoenix FC)
Luka Vicelich (Auckland FC)
Michael Wong (Auckland FC)

Among those to return from the previous U-20 cycle are Eamonn McCarron, Jayden Smith and Gab Sloane-Rodrigues.

There are also eight players who’ve progressed from the New Zealand men’s U-17 cycle (Aaron Cartwright, Van Fitzharris, Damion Kim, Alex Lienard, Nathan Martin, Daniel Nelson, Luka Vicelich, Michael Wong).

Head Coach José Figueira says this squad highlights the success of the New Zealand Football pathways system, with so many players progressing from previous age groups.

"We've selected a group that combines players excelling in domestic environments with others gaining experience overseas. The players have worked hard to reach this point, and we're looking forward to the challenge ahead in Samoa.

"The OFC U-19 Championship is a fantastic opportunity for our players to test themselves in a competitive international environment. We know what's at stake with a place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup on the line, but our focus is on continuing the development of this group, playing our football with confidence, and representing New Zealand with pride.

"Tournaments like this are about embracing the challenge. Every team in Oceania will arrive in Samoa with ambition and belief, and we have great respect for our opponents. For us, success will come from staying true to our identity, working hard for each other, and being ready to perform when the key moments arrive.

"Qualifying for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup is the objective for this team, but we know nothing will be given to us. We are excited for the challenge ahead, and now it's about bringing energy, discipline, and consistency to every match throughout the tournament."

2026 OFC U-19 Men’s Championship – Group B:

2 September: New Zealand vs Tahiti, 2:00pm NZT

5 September: New Zealand vs Fiji, 2:00pm NZT

8 September: New Zealand vs Vanuatu, 2:00pm NZT

All matches will be played at FFS Football Stadium (Field 2) in Apia, Samoa.

The OFC U19 Men’s Championship will be available live and free on OFC’s YouTube channel, DAZN and FIFA+.

Article added: Friday 21 August 2026