New Zealand Football Delegation Prepares for 2026 World Cup Draw

New Zealand Football officials, including chief executive Andrew Pragnell and All Whites coach Darren Bazeley, are in North America this week for the draw of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This significant event will take place in Washington, D.C., where the All Whites will learn their opponents for their third World Cup appearance. While their role in the draw is primarily observational, the delegation aims to leverage the occasion to network with influential figures in football and politics.

The draw, scheduled for Saturday morning New Zealand time, represents only a part of the delegation’s mission. According to Pragnell, “All of the major football associations of the world will be represented there,” along with political representatives, including the New Zealand ambassador to the United States. He emphasized the importance of these interactions, stating, “We will certainly be making the most of that.” The team will also attend workshops covering topics such as facilities, marketing, and ticketing to better prepare for the tournament next June.

Pragnell, who has experienced previous World Cup draws, expressed the emotional weight of the event. “The draw is a huge event and the whole world stops to watch it,” he said. His previous attendance at the last FIFA Men’s World Cup draw, despite New Zealand’s failure to qualify, and at the October 2022 draw for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, highlights his commitment to understanding the dynamics of global football events.

Bazeley, participating in his first senior World Cup draw, noted the unique excitement of the event being hosted in the United States. He remarked, “What we expect of this World Cup is the entertainment country of the world meets the sport event of the world.” Both he and Pragnell anticipate a high-energy atmosphere, contributing to the spectacle of the draw.

As the All Whites are currently ranked 86th in the world, Bazeley acknowledged that their status might not intimidate other teams. The tournament will feature 48 teams drawn from four pots of 12. Bazeley explained, “We’ve all been on the simulator simulating the draw,” emphasizing the unpredictability of the outcomes. He and his analyst, Logan, will begin preparing by reviewing past games of their potential opponents immediately after the draw.

While the draw will reveal the teams the All Whites will face, the exact venues for their matches will be confirmed the following day. FIFA has reserved 24 hours to finalize the locations, aiming to maximize attendance at the most competitive matches.

In addition to the draw, the New Zealand delegation is scouting potential base camps for the All Whites. Bazeley detailed their objective of finding “the best position” for the team, considering they could play across three different cities and possibly two countries. Some staff members will visit potential hotels and training grounds to determine the best options to propose to FIFA.

New Zealand football fans may have an opportunity to support the All Whites ahead of the World Cup during the penultimate FIFA window in March. Pragnell mentioned discussions about bringing the team home for competitive matches against another national team. “We’re hoping to announce something in the next couple of weeks,” he said, indicating that plans are in progress as the team gears up for the global tournament.

As the All Whites prepare for this pivotal moment in their football journey, the upcoming draw and associated events in North America signify a crucial step towards their participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.