All Whites coach Darren Bazeley to step down in December 2026
Saturday 24 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 5 reports · updated In this story All Whites, Darren Bazeley, New Zealand Football
Darren Bazeley will leave his position as All Whites head coach when his contract expires at the end of 2026. New Zealand Football confirmed the departure following results that did not meet expectations. Bazeley, who guided the team to the upcoming FIFA World Cup, will oversee upcoming home matches against India in November.
Key facts
5 facts
- Darren Bazeley will leave the All Whites role in December 2026
- Bazeley guided the team to their first World Cup since 2010
- The team will play India in Auckland on November 12 and Christchurch on November 15
- Bazeley has coached the New Zealand U-17, U-20, and U-23 sides
- Bazeley served as an assistant coach under Anthony Hudson and Danny Hay
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley will leave his position at the end of 2026. New Zealand Football confirmed the departure on Saturday, stating Bazeley will depart when his contract expires in December.
Bazeley's tenure included qualifying the team for the FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, marking their first appearance at the tournament since 2010. The team failed to progress from their group after a 2-2 draw with Iran and losses to Egypt and Belgium.
New Zealand Football chief executive Andrew Pragnell said the decision was made because the team was not on the trajectory to reach the World Cup knockout stages. Pragnell noted, “We didn’t feel they were on the trajectory to do that, and it must happen in 2030”.
Bazeley will finish his tenure with two home matches against India next month, scheduled for November 12 at Go Media Stadium in Auckland and November 15 at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.
Bazeley has previously coached the New Zealand under-17, under-20, and under-23 sides. He also served as an assistant coach under Anthony Hudson and Danny Hay.
Where reports differ
- One report specifies Bazeley is 54 years old, while others do not mention his age
Compiled from reports by Stuff, 1News and NZ Herald.
