All Whites in action during World Cup qualifying. Photos / Photosport, Getty Images
All Whites in action during World Cup qualifying. Photos / Photosport, Getty Images
Opinion
The All Whites have safely negotiated their passage to the 2026 football World Cup with victories over Fiji (7-0) and New Caledonia (3-0). Who was top of the class, who performed well and who could do better? Jason Pine hands out the grades.
Goalkeeper
Max Crocombe(90 minutes in both games)
Two matches, two clean sheets. Rarely troubled in either outing, but kept possession of the gloves under internal pressure from most notably Alex Paulsen.
Tim Payne (80 minutes in game 1, 90 minutes in game 2)
Had more goal involvements than any other player across the two matches, providing three assists against Fiji and brilliantly setting up Kosta Barbarouses against New Caledonia, while also breaking his own 12-year international goal drought in Wellington. New Zealand’s first choice right-back by some distance.
At just 20 years old, New Zealand’s best player across the two games. No longer any question over his place in the starting 11; it’s now a matter of who will partner him in central defence. Assured and composed, and made some crucial interventions in Auckland to keep New Caledonia at bay during their infrequent attacks. Future NZ captain.
Grade: A+
Tyler Bindon celebrates after scoring in Wellington. Photo / Masanori Udagawa Photosport
Michael Boxall (90 minutes in both games)
Picked the best possible moment to score his first international goal, breaking the Eden Park deadlock and setting his team on the path to qualification. Didn’t put a foot wrong defensively.
Grade: A-
Libby Cacace (80 minutes, 86 minutes)
His Serie A pedigree was again on show with an insatiable work ethic and bottomless engine. Assumed the captaincy when Wood departed in both games.
One of the great success stories of recent times. His entry at halftime in Auckland was key to New Zealand’s greater threat in the second half and he provided the delivery for Boxall’s opener, before playing a part in Eli Just’s third goal. Also delivered a precise cross for Kosta Barbarouses to score in Wellington.
Grade: A-
Storm Roux (10 minutes in game 1)
Replaced Payne for the final 10 minutes in Wellington with the result beyond doubt.
No grade
Midfielders
Joe Bell (90 minutes in both games)
A return to the Joe Bell we came to know and love early in his international career. The glue that holds this side together, mixing combativeness and commitment with vision and composure.
Grade: A
Marko Stamenic (90 minutes in both games)
Used in a deeper-lying role than he has been in previous matches, but adjusted well and showed trademark touches of class in the midfield exchanges.
Grade: B+
Sarpreet Singh (72 minutes, 70 minutes)
What a delight to see New Zealand’s most creative player back on the grass on home soil. Was particularly dangerous in Wellington, providing the cross for Chris Wood’s opening goal, then scoring himself and consistently finding space between the lines.
Midfielder Sarpreet Singh takes on the Fijian defence. Photo / Marty Melville, Photosport
Grade: B+
Alex Rufer (20 minutes in game 2)
Sent on to shore things up with New Zealand 2-0 ahead at Eden Park.
No grade
Attackers
Callum McCowatt (90 minutes, 45 minutes)
Started both matches, but didn’t really seize his chance to nail down that spot moving forward. Energetic as always, but withdrawn at halftime in Auckland.
Grade: B
Matt Garbett (62 minutes, 45 minutes)
A strange window for one of New Zealand’s best in recent times. His lack of recent club football definitely showed, while he was also asked to play a slightly unfamiliar wide attacking role.
Grade: B-
Skipper Chris Wood strikes for the All Whites against Fiji, in Wellington. Photo / Hagen Hopkins, Getty Images
Chris Wood (62 minutes, 54 minutes)
A hat-trick of headers in Wellington, but unable to add to that in Auckland before unfortunately departing with injury. Still New Zealand’s talisman and added to his legacy with a yellow card in Wellington for climbing into the stands to meet fans.
Grade: B+
Kosta Barbarouses (28 minutes, 36 minutes)
Off the bench twice, scored twice, including the vital second strike in Auckland. His redemption after a red card against Costa Rica three years ago is now complete and he provides a terrific option for coach Darren Bazeley to use as required.
Grade: A-
New Zealand's Kosta Barbarouses celebrates after landing his shot against New Caledonia. Photo / Andrew Cornaga, Photosport
Elijah Just (28 minutes, 45 minutes)
Would probably have started both matches had he been fully fit coming into camp, but provided eye-catching impact off the bench, scoring the third goal in Auckland.
Grade: B+
Ben Waine (10 minutes in game 1)
Came on in Wellington and missed a penalty.
No grade
Logan Rogerson (4 minutes in game 2)
Introduced late at Eden Park.
No grade
Not used
Alex Paulsen
Oli Sail
Nando Pijnaker
Tommy Smith
Jesse Randall
Summary
Mission accomplished, albeit with some nervous moments at Eden Park. New Zealand did what was required to book their ticket to North America next year and can now prepare for a third appearance on football’s biggest stage.
