SOCCER: New Zealand defender Pijnaker a doubt for World Cup after shoulder blow
New Zealand defender Nando Pijnaker faces a race against time to recover from a dislocated shoulder, adding to coach Darren Bazeley’s defensive concerns ahead of the World Cup.
Reuters
April 14, 2026

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - International Friendly - Republic of Ireland v New Zealand - Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland - November 21, 2023 Republic of Ireland's Mark Sykes in action with New Zealand's Nando Pijnaker
Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters
New Zealand defender Nando Pijnaker is in a race to be fit for the World Cup after suffering a dislocated shoulder in Auckland FC's 2-2 draw with Melbourne Victory in the A-League over the weekend.
Pijnaker was expected to be among the centre backs named in coach Darren Bazeley's World Cup squad for the June 11 to July 19 finals in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Auckland FC confirmed Pijnaker's injury on Tuesday but said in a statement that the Netherlands-born 27-year-old would seek further opinion from a specialist.
Dislocated shoulders can take up to 16 weeks to heal. New Zealand open their 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 nursing a knee problem.
There was also better news for Bazeley over the weekend as Chris Wood, New Zealand's captain and top goal-scorer, played his first match in nearly six months in Nottingham Forest's 1-1 Premier League draw with Aston Villa after recovering from knee surgery.
New Zealand will also play Egypt and Belgium in the World Cup's group stage as the All Whites return to the tournament for the first time since South Africa 2010.
-Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Kate Mayberry/Reuters
TOP SPORTS STORIES
LATEST NEWS

Everyone must do their part for peace, including on social media, Pope Leo says

Brazil investigates suspected Ebola case in Sao Paulo

Eleven confirmed dead in Washington state chemical accident
GET IN TOUCH
desk@myparaluman.ph
Tektite Towers (East), Exchange Road
Ortigas Center. San Antonio 1600
City of Pasig, NCR, Philippines
+63284298877
MENU
© 2026 Paraluman News Publication



