The New Zealand Football Federation announced on Saturday that it will not renew the contract of Englishman Darren Bazeley, head coach of the senior national team, after he led the team to one draw and two losses in the 2026 World Cup finals.
For his part, Bazeley clarified in a press statement that he feels disappointed about leaving the post, acknowledging the expectation that the New Zealand national team would succeed in advancing past the group stage for the first time, saying: "I was certainly excited to continue working during the next cycle, but I understand that this is a sporting and technical decision made by the New Zealand Football Federation, and ultimately we did not achieve the results we had hoped for."
Bazeley added: "I believe we built something very beautiful over the past four years with a young group of players. Although I will not be part of the team in the future, I look forward to seeing its development in preparation for the next World Cup, because I have great faith in this group."
Bazeley concluded his four-year tenure with the New Zealand national team upon the expiration of his contract after two international friendly matches to be held in New Zealand next November against India. The 54-year-old English coach helped lead New Zealand to its second appearance in the Men's World Cup, where it drew 2-2 with Iran before losing to Egypt 1-3 and Belgium 1-5.
The New Zealand national team, known as the "All Whites," had the lowest ranking among the participating teams in the tournament, which included 48 teams, holding the 86th position globally. Bazeley, born in England, played for many years as a defender for Watford FC, and also worked as a coach at various levels in New Zealand for 15 years, including a period as assistant coach for the senior national team, before succeeding Danny Haig as head coach in 2022.
Source: Arriyadiyah newspaper
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