Orlando Pirates striker misses out on 2026 FIFA World Cup dream

Andre de Jong will not feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being omitted from New Zealand’s final squad for football’s biggest tournament.

The Orlando Pirates striker had briefly reignited hopes of a World Cup appearance after earning a recall to the national team set-up in March.

However, national coach Darren Bazeley against including the 29-year-old forward in his final 26-man squad.

Instead, Bazeley placed his faith in experienced striker Chris Wood, the veteran frontman currently playing for Nottingham Forest, as New Zealand prepare for only their third-ever World Cup appearance.

Limited Game Time Costs De Jong

De Jong’s omission appears closely linked to his lack of consistent minutes since joining Orlando Pirates from Stellenbosch FC in January.

Since arriving in Soweto, the striker has struggled to cement a regular role under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, making just 11 appearances and scoring once.

His form noticeably dipped after leaving Stellenbosch, where he had been a dependable attacking figure and one of the club’s most trusted forwards.

At Orlando Pirates, competition for places and limited opportunities may have ultimately hurt his chances of convincing the national selectors.

A Dream That May Never Come

At 29, De Jong may now face the painful reality of never playing at a FIFA World Cup.

Given New Zealand’s infrequent qualification history – with appearances only in 1982, 2010, and now 2026 – another opportunity seems uncertain.

By the next tournament cycle, age and competition for places could make another call-up increasingly difficult.

New Zealand have been drawn into a challenging Group G alongside Iran, Egypt, and Belgium in the expanded tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Despite the setback, De Jong leaves an international contribution of 13 caps and two goals for New Zealand since making his debut in 2018 – a respectable record, even if the World Cup dream remains unfulfilled.