Orlando Pirates midfielder Andre de Jong has received an international call-up to represent New Zealand in their upcoming fixtures against Finland and Chile.
The matches form part of the first-ever FIFA Series to be hosted in Aotearoa New Zealand, a competition designed to help the All Whites prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Key Preparation Matches
New Zealand will face Finland at Eden Park on 27 March, before taking on Chile three days later, as they build momentum ahead of the global showpiece set to be staged in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
De Jong’s inclusion in the squad offers him an important opportunity to strengthen his place in the national team set-up, particularly with World Cup ambitions on the horizon.
Boost for Orlando Pirates Star
The 29-year-old former AmaZulu hitman made his senior international debut in 2018, and has 11 caps and two goals to his name.
His involvement in the FIFA Series is expected to provide valuable international experience against strong opposition.
Eyes on the Future
With the FIFA Series offering competitive match exposure, New Zealand will be aiming to fine-tune combinations and build squad depth ahead of their World Cup campaign.
New Zealand have been drawn in Group G and will face Belgium, Egypt and Iran (should they attend the tournament).
New Zealand squad
Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe (Millwall), Alex Paulsen (Lechia Gdańsk – on loan from AFC Bournemouth), Michael Woud (Auckland FC)
Defenders: Tyler Bindon (Sheffield United) (on loan from Nottingham Forest), Francis de Vries (Auckland FC), Callan Elliot (Auckland FC), McGarry (Brisbane Roar), Tim Payne (Wellington Phoenix), Finn Surman (Portland Timbers), Bill Tuiloma (Wellington Phoenix)
Midfielders: Lachlan Bayliss (Newcastle Jets), Joe Bell (Viking FK), Andre de Jong (Orlando Pirates), Callum McCowatt (Silkeborg IF), Ben Old (AS Saint-Étienne), Jesse Randall (Auckland FC), Alex Rufer (Wellington Phoenix), Marko Stamenić (Swansea City), Ryan Thomas (PEC Zwolle)
Forwards: Kosta Barbarouses (Western Sydney Wanderers), Eli Just (Motherwell), Logan Rogerson (Auckland FC), Ben Waine (Port Vale)
