A New Zealand Under-16 squad featuring 12 young Isuzu UTE A-League prospects helped New Zealand seal a place in the 2026 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, after an OFC Under-16 Men’s Championship triumph in the Solomon Islands in late August.
The youth international squad picked by head coach Martin Bullock defeated New Caledonia in the final of the OFC Championship on Saturday evening, with Wellington Phoenix’s Jack Clegg and Auckland FC’s Benjamin Perez Baldoni scoring the goals in a 2-0 triumph to seal New Zealand’s fourth consecutive OFC title.
FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: Oceania Football Confederation
HISTORY IN THE MAKING: Phoenix teen could shatter All Whites record after call-up to face Socceroos
Eight Phoenix prospects were included in the 21-player New Zealand squad, along with one player from Auckland FC, Sydney FC, Melbourne Victory and Western United taking the tally of Isuzu UTE A-League academy players up to 12.
Isuzu UTE A-League youngsters in Under-16 New Zealand squad:
Joseph Chalabi – Wellington Phoenix
Jack Clegg – Wellington Phoenix
Willem Des Tombe – Wellington Phoenix
Ethan Dyer – Sydney FC
Cailean Hamilton – Wellington Phoenix
Marley Hunt – Wellington Phoenix
Joe McIntyre – Wellington Phoenix
Benjamin Perez Baldoni – Auckland FC
Cruz Pietersen – Wellington Phoenix
Keigo Shimokawa – Melbourne Victory
Ben Trenberth – Wellington Phoenix
John Woldegiorgis – Western United
The New Zealand squad sealed the OFC Under-16 title without conceding a goal in the tournament; victory over New Caledonia in the final ensured New Zealand will compete in the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar next year.
NEW LOOK: Auckland FC reveal striking new look for Premiership defence with home & away kit release
