Top five players to watch from New Zealand squad for India friendlies
(Courtesy : Getty)
These five players might hurt the Blue Tigers!
New Zealand have officially announced a 22-player squad for the upcoming international friendlies against India on November 12 and 15. This will mark the only fixtures for the All Whites during the upcoming international window.
The upcoming fixtures will be historic in more ways than one. The first match will take place at the Go Media Stadium in Tāmaki Makaurau. Three days later, the two teams will play what will be the first-ever international football match at the One New Zealand Stadium in Ōtautahi, Christchurch.
This will mark the third time these two sides are meeting in a senior football match. Their first meeting came during the 1981 Merdeka Tournament, which ended in a goalless draw. Their next outing was at the 2018 Intercontinental Cup, where NZ won 2-1.
The All Whites have named a strong squad for the upcoming international friendlies. Led by their captain, Chris Wood, the squad also features several newcomers. Three players – Corban Piper, Matthew Sheridan, and Nathan Walker – have received their maiden call-ups from head coach Darren Bazeley.
Let’s look at the five players to keep an eye on in New Zealand’s upcoming friendlies against India.
Also Read: India to face New Zealand in two-match international friendly series in November
Five players to watch from New Zealand squad vs India:
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5. Alex Paulsen (Motherwell)
With Max Crocombe not in the squad, the goalkeeping duties will fall to Motherwell custodian Alex Paulsen. The Bournemouth loanee is considered a big talent at the south coast club, making 18 appearances across competitions this season for his loan club.
He is also slowly becoming an important part of the All Whites setup. So far, he has earned 11 caps. He has played all three of the Kiwis’ last three friendlies, securing a penalty-shootout win against Panama.
4. Finn Surman (Portland Timbers)
Wales-born Finn Surman is becoming a starting centre-back for New Zealand, with the 23-year-old earning 22 caps so far, scoring three goals. His importance is highlighted by the fact that he has played in each of the All Whites’ 15 previous matches, playing for 90 minutes in all but three matches.
He has also been in superb form for the Major League Soccer (MLS) side Portland Timbers, scoring one goal and registering one assist in 31 appearances across all competitions.
3. Callum McCowatt (AGF)
Callum McCowatt, who plays for Danish side AGF, will be a big asset to New Zealand’s attack. Capable of playing through the middle and on either flank, McCowatt has quickly become one of the most dynamic attackers in Europe.
With five goals and four assists in 16 appearances across all competitions this season, McCowatt has been a leading player for AGF. He also has a good record for the All Whites, scoring four goals in 37 appearances since making his debut seven years ago.
2. Tyler Bindon (Charlton Athletic)
The son of New Zealand women’s football legend Jenny Bindon, Tyler Bindon is considered a major talent in the All Whites setup. The 21-year-old defender is currently on loan at EFL Championship side Charlton Athletic from Nottingham Forest. He has already made six appearances for the Addicks, registering an assist.
Darren Bazeley will likely start him in central defence against India alongside Surman. Despite his young age, he already has 32 caps for the Kiwis, even netting three goals. A future star for his club and country.
1. Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)
34-year-old Chris Wood has been nothing short of a talismanic figure for New Zealand football for decades. Since making his international debut in 2009, he has made 95 appearances for the All Whites. He has scored 45 goals, comfortably establishing himself as his nation’s all-time leading goalscorer.
The striker is yet to open his account for Nottingham Forest this season, having made nine appearances across all competitions. However, he is a different beast for his national team, registering two assists in the FIFA World Cup 2026. He also set up NZ’s only goal in their last friendly against Japan.
When are India vs New Zealand football friendlies in 2026?
India will face New Zealand in two international friendlies on November 12 and November 15, 2026.
Where will India vs New Zealand football matches be played?
The first match will be played at Go Media Stadium in Auckland, while the second will take place at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.
Who is the captain of New Zealand’s squad against India?
Chris Wood will lead New Zealand as captain in the two international friendlies against India.
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