New Zealand defender Nando Pijnaker is in a race to get fit for the World Cup after suffering a dislocated shoulder in Auckland FC’s 2-2 draw with Melbourne Victory in the A-League last weekend.
Pijnaker is expected to be one of the centre-backs named in coach Darren Bazeley’s World Cup squad for the June 11 to July 19 finals in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Auckland FC confirmed Pijnaker’s injury on Tuesday, but said in a statement that the Dutch-born 27-year-old would seek further advice from a specialist. It can take up to 16 weeks for the shoulders to dislocate. New Zealand opens its World Cup campaign against Iran on June 15.
Pijnaker joins injured New Zealand defenders Michael Boxall, Tommy Smith, Liberato Cacace and Francis de Vries on the sidelines, while midfielder Sarpreet Singh is also struggling with a knee problem.
There was also better news for Bazeley this weekend as New Zealand captain and top scorer Chris Wood played his first game in almost six months in the 1-1 Premier League draw with Aston Villa at Nottingham Forest after recovering from knee surgery.
New Zealand will also play Egypt and Belgium in the World Cup group stage as the All Whites return to the tournament for the first time since South Africa 2010.
Published on April 14, 2026
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