New Zealand has announced a 21-player squad for its upcoming U-20 men’s football friendlies against 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup hosts Chile, set to take place in the Santiago Metropolitan Region in early June.
Head coach Chris Greenacre’s selection includes 12 players based in New Zealand and nine currently playing abroad in Australia, Croatia, England, and the United States.
Wellington Phoenix contributes seven players to the squad, while Auckland FC is represented by five, following the club’s inaugural A-League Men campaign. Sixteen-year-old Luke Brooke-Smith is the youngest player called up after a standout club season, while four players—Harry Casci, James Mitchell, Troy Putt, and Jayden Smith—are set to make their international debuts.
“This is a really exciting squad,” Greenacre said. “Some players featured prominently in our FIFA U-20 World Cup qualifiers, while others are new to this level. Time together is crucial ahead of the World Cup, and this tour provides a valuable opportunity to challenge ourselves against the host nation on their home turf.”
The tour includes two matches against Chile: the first on Wednesday, June 4 (Thursday, June 5 NZT) at Complejo Deportivo Quilín, and the second on Saturday, June 7 (Sunday, June 8 NZT) at Estadio Bicentenario de La Florida. Both fixtures are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. local time (7:30 a.m. NZT).
“These games are important preparation as we look ahead to facing non-Oceania opposition at the World Cup,” Greenacre added. “Chile’s style of play presents the kind of test we need at this stage.”
Full Squad – New Zealand Men’s U-20 Team
- Luke Brooke-Smith – Wellington Phoenix (NZL)
- James Bulkeley – FC Dallas (USA)
- Harry Casci – Western United (AUS)
- Adama Coulibaly – Auckland FC (NZL)
- Luka Coveny – Western United (AUS)
- Noah DuPont – West Bromwich Albion (ENG)
- Fergus Gillion – Wellington Phoenix (NZL)
- Henry Gray – Ipswich Town (ENG)
- Keegan Kelly – University of Denver (USA)
- Lukas Kelly-Heald – Wellington Phoenix (NZL)
- Xuan Loke – Wellington Phoenix (NZL)
- Finn McKenlay – Auckland FC (NZL)
- Oliver Middleton – Auckland FC (NZL)
- James Mitchell – Auckland FC (NZL)
- Codey Phoenix – Auckland FC (NZL)
- Troy Putt – Minnesota United (USA)
- Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues – Wellington Phoenix (NZL)
- Jayden Smith – Wellington Phoenix (NZL)
- Luke Supyk – Wellington Phoenix (NZL)
- Stipe Ukich – NK Istra 1961 (CRO)
- Joseph Wallis – West Bromwich Albion (ENG)
The tour marks a key step in New Zealand’s preparations for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which will be hosted by Chile in September.
