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How to sync SN commentary with TVAll Whites head coach to depart at end of 2026
Sport Nation • October 24th, 2026 1:00 pm
All Whites coach Darren Bazeley | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Darren Bazeley will step down as All Whites head coach when his contract ends at the conclusion of 2026.
Bazeley has led the team through a significant period, qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2010. At the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the USA, the All Whites came close to reaching the knockout stages.
His tenure also brought several notable results against teams outside Oceania. They included a win over African champions Côte d’Ivoire—the team’s most high-profile victory in more than a decade—and a 4–1 win over Chile at Eden Park in March.
“It has been an honour to be All Whites head coach for the last four years and I’m immensely proud of what we have achieved as a team," Bazeley said in a statement provided by New Zealand Football.
New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley speaks with Callan Elliott | Photo: Carl Kafka/Photosport
“While I would have definitely been keen to be involved for the next cycle, I understand this is a football decision by New Zealand Football and ultimately we didn’t get the results we wanted.
“I believe we have been building something really exciting over the last four years with a young squad of players, so while I won’t be involved with the team, I look forward to seeing how they continue to develop ahead of the next FIFA World Cup as this is a group I really believe in.”
With experience coaching New Zealand’s U-17, U-20 and U-23 sides, as well as serving as an All Whites assistant under Anthony Hudson and Danny Hay, Bazeley gave 17 players their senior international debuts. The team also played an attacking style during his time in charge.
Bazeley’s final matches as head coach will be a two-game home series against India in November. The All Whites will play in Auckland at Go Media Stadium on 12 November, before Christchurch hosts the first international football match at the new One New Zealand Stadium on 15 November.
CEO of New Zealand Football Andrew Pragnell and New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley | Photo: Photosport
NZ Football CEO Andrew Pragnell, who will be stepping down from his position in early 2027, has thanked Bazeley for his service in developing its football program.
“The number of young players he has brought through, the relationships he has with the team as well as the team culture he has helped to build, will lay the foundations of this side for years to come," Pragnell said.
“I want to thank him for the numerous ways he has contributed to the game at all levels for many decades and wish him the absolute best for what he chooses to do next.”
New Zealand Football says further details about the process to recruit the next All Whites head coach will be announced in due course.
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