File - New Zealand's Darren Bazeley during an international friendly against England. | Photo Credit: AP

Head coach Darren Bazeley has been part of New Zealand’s football pathway for years and brings continuity to the All Whites.

The Englishman’s squad is settled and built around clarity rather than surprise. The challenge will be to keep New Zealand compact while giving star striker Chris Wood enough service to make its rare chances count.

Bazeley began his time in New Zealand in 2005 as a player with New Zealand Knights. In 2011, he took up the New Zealand U-17 coaching job and then slowly progressed through the ranks.

The 53-year-old took charge of New Zealand’s senior team in November 2022.

Darren Bazeley’s record as head coach:

• Matches: 106
• Wins: 45
• Draws: 14
• Losses: 47
• Win percentage: 42.45

Darren Bazeley’s record as New Zealand head coach:

• Matches: 33
• Wins: 13
• Draws: 6
• Losses: 14
• Win percentage: 39.39

What did Darren Bazeley say before the World Cup?

“The challenge for us is to go on, to keep progressing. It’s not going to be easy but we want to get into those exciting knockout games and see where that leads us,” said Bazeley in an interview with the Athletic.

“I’ve been really lucky. I’ve been to six World Cups already, two Olympics and a Confederations Cup, and football’s been very generous to me after my playing career. I’m super grateful for that.

“Now all of our players are determined to go to the World Cup, create history and do something really special.”

Published on Jun 15, 2026