Midfielder Andre de Jong has been named in the New Zealand national squad for upcoming international fixtures against Chile and Finland, as the All Whites begin preparations for the 2026 global tournament.
The squad announcement comes ahead of matches that form part of the first FIFA Series to be staged in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
The initiative has been introduced to provide national teams with structured competitive fixtures as they build towards the next FIFA World Cup 2026.
De Jong, who recently joined South African side Orlando Pirates, is among the midfield options selected.
His inclusion represents an opportunity to strengthen his case for a place in New Zealand’s long-term plans ahead of the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
New Zealand will face Finland and Chile in what is expected to be a crucial testing period for the squad.
The fixtures are designed to offer valuable international experience and allow the coaching staff to assess player combinations against varied opposition.
The All Whites squad features a mix of players drawn from clubs across Europe, Australasia and beyond.
In the goalkeeping department, Max Crocombe of Millwall is joined by Alex Paulsen, currently on loan at Lechia Gdańsk from AFC Bournemouth, and Michael Woud of Auckland FC.
Defensive options include Tyler Bindon of Sheffield United, currently on loan from Nottingham Forest, alongside Francis de Vries and Callan Elliot, both of Auckland FC.
Other defenders named are McGarry of Brisbane Roar, Tim Payne of Wellington Phoenix, Finn Surman of Portland Timbers and Bill Tuiloma, also of Wellington Phoenix.
In midfield, De Jong is part of a group that includes Lachlan Bayliss of Newcastle Jets, Joe Bell of Viking FK, Callum McCowatt of Silkeborg IF, and Ben Old of AS Saint-Étienne.
Jesse Randall and Alex Rufer, both representing clubs in New Zealand, have also been selected, along with Marko Stamenić of Swansea City and Ryan Thomas of PEC Zwolle.
The attacking line-up features experienced forward Kosta Barbarouses of Western Sydney Wanderers, as well as Eli Just of Motherwell, Logan Rogerson of Auckland FC and Ben Waine of Port Vale.
The FIFA Series marks a significant step in New Zealand’s build-up to the World Cup, providing a platform to refine tactics and evaluate squad depth.
For players such as De Jong, the upcoming matches could prove pivotal in securing a role in the national team’s future plans.
