How the All Whites rated at the 2026 Fifa World Cup
Monday, 29 June 2026
ANALYSIS: On three occasions in their first 145 minutes at the World Cup, the All Whites looked ready to make history.
Seeking their first win and maiden appearance in the playoffs at their third tournament, two goals versus Iran and one versus Egypt lifted hopes.
But a poor refereeing moment and some defensive lapses proved costly, as a one-sided defeat by Belgium on Saturday left the only task remaining for the players was to pack their bags for home.
How the All Whites rated
Max Crocombe: Won the warm-up game battle as first-choice goalkeeper with Alex Paulsen but then made a shaky start against Iran and never recovered. NZ had hung on grimly against Belgium until he failed to get near a corner which landed in his six-yard box while not blocked off. 3
Tim Payne: Great, fun story in the build-up, which may have been a wee distraction to the side. Also turned the spotlight on a 32-year-old wingback from a lowly-placed A-League side, who subsequently played like a 32-year-old wingback from a lowly-placed A-League side. 4
Finn Surman: Thumped home a headed goal, and the centre-back is so good at certain key aspects of defending - blocking shots, winning headers - that it was so disappointing to see him dragged out of position in two games by crosses, allowing his opponent to score with a header each time. 7
Michael Boxall: An honest performer, but at 37, found the quality of opposition hard to stifle, leading to losing his starting place for the final game versus Belgium, before coming on as a sub in what seems likely to be his last international appearance. 5
Tyler Bindon: Could have been used earlier, either at fullback or in the centre of defence. Looked impressive when NZ were under the pump from Belgium, but that workload eventually took a toll on him. 6
Liberato Cacace: Fell short of the huge expectations on him, possibly due to the injury-riddled season he had with Wrexham. Lacked a little of his explosiveness, or maybe that was just the vast step up to World Cup finals level. 5
Callan Elliot: Replaced Payne from the bench versus Iran, looked good, then the A-League championship medal winner never got another minute on the pitch. 6
Francis de Vries: Got a couple of second-half runs as a replacement for Cacace. 4
Joe Bell: Is never going to remind anyone of Socrates or Platini, but an incredibly honest footballer who didn’t let anyone down. Was always showing for the ball and worked tirelessly. 7
Marko Stamenic: The ball-winning midfielder alongside Bell also faced a huge jump in quality of opponent and would be justified in telling people that Kevin de Bruyne is still rather handy. Referees were a little harsh on him too. 6
Ben Old: Used as a sub in all three matches, hoping to add some pace and bite pushing forward from midfield or wingback. He’ll forever wonder how he didn’t get a free-kick against Egypt in a decision which swung NZ’s campaign away from them. 5
Ryan Thomas: Twice a sub before starting against Belgium. Not the same creative force after having his career greatly hampered by injuries. 5
Sarpreet Singh: After injury greatly limited his playing time on his return to the Wellington Phoenix, it was a surprise to see him gain selection to face Iran.Was an even bigger shock to see him still starting versus Belgium. 4
Callum McCowatt: Sharp and enterprising versus Iran, and if his flicked header had beaten Mostafa Shoubir’s fingertips when NZ were 1-0 up against Egypt, how different the campaign could have been. 7
Chris Wood: Led the line brilliantly against Iran and set up both goals, but found it harder to influence things against Egypt and hardly got a kick versus Belgium. No goals, chiefly due to limited service. 6
Eli Just: Motherwell fans, and many All White supporters, already knew his qualities. Now the world does. Technically superb, imaginative, and capped with three superbly-taken goals to become one of the best players in the group stage from any country. 9
Jesse Randall: Came off the bench in all three games; another who found the jump up from the A-League rather steep. 5
Did not play: Paulsen, Michael Woud, Logan Rogerson, Alex Rufer, Nando Pijnaker, Kosta Barbarouses, Ben Waine, Lachlan Bayliss, Tommy Smith.
Coach Darren Bazeley: Could point to the save to deny McCowatt, or the non-call on Old being fouled, as massive turning points and would have had some justification. But there were too many selection errors. 5