New Zealand announce squad for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023

The Football Ferns make their sixth World Cup appearance

New Zealand Women qualified as the co-host for the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.

The Football Ferns will play in their fifth consecutive World Cup and sixth overall. Jitka Klimkova has selected the 23-players who will be representing their country at the grand stage. They have never made it out of the group stage and will be eager to reach the knockout stage on their home soil.

New Zealand are tied in Group A along with Norway, the Philippines and Switzerland. The Swiss and Norway are ranked better than the Football Ferns in the FIFA rankings. The Philippines will make their debut in the 2023 edition.

Despite playing in five World Cups, the Football Ferns have never won a match. They have played 15 matches and lost 12. The team will also aim to register their first win on the big stage.

New Zealand will focus on their attack as they have just scored eight goals in 15 matches. The defence has conceded 34 times in these many matches.

Annalie Longo is their most experienced player in the squad. She has made 127 appearances.

Rebekah Stott and Katie Bowen will strengthen the defence. Both players have played more than 80 matches at the international level.

Here is the 23 player squad for the upcoming World Cup.

New Zealand Women's World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Victoria Essen (Rangers), Anna Leat (Aston Villa), Erin Nayler (IFK Norrkoping)

Defenders: Liz Anton (Perth Glory), CJ Bott (Leicester City), Katie Bowen (unattached), Claudia Bunge (Melbourne Victory), Michaela Foster (unattached), Ali Riley (Angel City), Rebekah Stott (Brighton & Hove Albion), Daisy Cleverley (HB Koge)

Midfielders: Olivia Chance (Celtic), Betsy Hassett (Stjarnan), Annalie Longo (unattached), Ria Percival (Tottenham Hotspur), Malia Steinmetz (unattached)

Forwards: Milly Clegg (unattached), Jacqui Hand (Aland United), Grace Jale (unattached), Hannah Wilkinson (Melbourne City), Gabi Rennie (Arizona State University), Indiah-Paige Riley (unattached), Paige Satchell (unattached)