For Alex, there was father Shane and uncle Wynton, the Oceania Player of the Century. Matt and Andre had Michael and Fred at the head of the family, while Jesse could call on the advice of uncle Declan.
Although there must be certain pressures inherent with having football feature so prominently in the blood, each of the young quartet thought it was much more benefit that detriment to their careers.
"It definitely has helped," said de Jong, whose father is now New Zealand Football high performance manager. "He coached me right through from about 5 to 15, so it was really cool having him with me the whole way."
Ridenton was another who could discuss tactics at the dinner table, with father and son teaming as coach and captain during a successful stint at St Kentigern College. But Michael has taken a back seat in the build-up to this tournament, enjoying a rare opportunity to be a fan on the sidelines.
"He's always just been supportive and tried to be there for me," Ridenton said. "He gives me some advice on the simple stuff but he's not really too involved. He's going to let the coaching staff do their work."
Other fans watching - those without blood ties to the team - will immediately take note of the player donning perhaps New Zealand football's most recognisable name on the back of his jersey. But Rufer felt that moniker added no further weight of expectation, choosing to blaze his own trail rather than ride on the coat-tails of his elders.
"They've had their careers but I'm Alex Rufer and I'm here to do my own thing," the striker said.
It was a similar story for Edge, who will also be playing for two members of his family. Along with Declan, the defender's grandfather Eddie was an assistant coach of the All Whites, providing the third generation of support.
Edge said the subject of parentage was rarely raised in the team's dressing room - with the only exception relating to a current role rather than any past deeds.
"There's a bit of banter - a few things about Father Fred with Andre," he said laughing.
NZME.
