All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley will be leaving the role at the end of 2026.
New Zealand Football confirmed his departure in a statement this morning, saying he will oversee the team's upcoming home series matches against India on November 12 and 15, before stepping down once his current contract expires.
Bazeley reflected on his time as head coach, thanking the team and saying he wished he could've stayed on.
“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," he said.
“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."
New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell acknowledged Bazeley's accomplishments for the All Whites, highlighting his efforts in developing the team.
“I want to thank Baze for everything he has done and achieved with this team at an important stage in our development as a football country," Pragnell said.
“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."
Bazeley led the national side through their recent World Cup campaign that saw them score more goals than any previous New Zealand side at the tournament. The All Whites were knocked out of the group stage with a draw and two losses.
He also coached New Zealand's U-17, U-20 and U-23 teams, as well as serving in assistant coaching roles for the All Whites before being promoted to head coach in 2023.
Standout moments of Bazeley's tenure include beating African Champions Côte d'Ivoire 1-0 in 2025, and Chile 4-1 this year at Eden Park.
A replacement head coach has not yet been named, but the recruiting process will begin in due course.
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