New Zealand Football Contemplates Utilising FIFA World Cup Windfall

New Zealand aims to channel its World Cup earnings into nurturing local talent, ensuring a sustainable return for the All Whites on the international stage, as stated by the nation’s football chief, Andrew Pragnell.

After missing out on the past three men’s World Cups, the All Whites secured their place in the 2026 finals in North America on Monday by defeating New Caledonia in the Oceania qualifying final.

While FIFA has yet to announce the prize money for 2026, teams that qualified for the 2022 Qatar tournament and were eliminated in the group stage received $10.5 million, which included $1.5 million allocated for preparation expenses.

This financial boost can significantly impact smaller nations like New Zealand, which boasts only two professional teams and has a sports culture largely dominated by rugby.

According to Pragnell, approximately 40% of New Zealand’s World Cup revenue will be allocated to players under an agreement with the players’ union, while a substantial portion will be reinvested into grassroots initiatives and talent development pathways.

“It wasn’t a make-or-break situation if we didn’t qualify, but there is considerable pressure to keep funding the game at every level,” Pragnell told Reuters.

“Qualification allows us to continue to invest in developing talent and enhancing player pathways. This is crucial for ensuring sustainable growth.”

Despite currently holding a modest world ranking of 89, the local football scene has benefitted from co-hosting the Women’s World Cup alongside Australia in 2023, with the momentum continuing thanks to the launch of Auckland FC in the A-League.

Auckland FC, owned by American billionaire Bill Foley, is leading the table in their inaugural season with seven matches remaining before the playoffs.

Strong match-day attendance at Auckland’s Mount Smart Stadium has dispelled fears that the market could not support a second professional team alongside Wellington Phoenix.

Auckland FC is set to introduce a team into the A-League Women for the 2025/26 season, creating yet another pathway for New Zealand’s female football talent.

Pragnell indicated that New Zealand Football (NZF) will soon reveal details regarding a legacy fund established from the Women’s World Cup.

“We will manage it judiciously to reinvest back into the game. It’s essential that we utilise all our resources,” he added.

As the All Whites prepare for their third World Cup appearance next year, interest from fans is likely to be sustained.

New Zealand’s qualification for their last World Cup in 2010, which saw them featured at the finals in South Africa, ignited nationwide celebrations when Ricki Herbert’s squad triumphed in an intercontinental playoff against Bahrain, ending a 28-year absence from the global tournament.

The nation rallied behind the team as they managed to draw against Italy, Slovakia, and Paraguay, exiting the group stage with much respect.

Now led by captain Chris Wood, the All Whites can expect similar attention as they aim for the knockout rounds for the first time at the expanded, 48-team World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

With Nottingham Forest’s Wood shining in the Premier League with 18 goals, along with other players performing well in European leagues, Pragnell believes fans have every reason to be excited.

“I think it’s time to elevate our expectations,” he said.

“We have a number of players in Europe, and the overall quality continues to improve.”