FIFA WC 2026: NZ midfielder Matt Garbett ruled out with hamstring injury
Los Angeles, June 16
New Zealand midfielder Matt Garbett has been ruled out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a hamstring injury he suffered in training earlier this week, the country's football federation said on Tuesday.
New Zealand suffered this injury blow ahead of their opening match against Iran, currently underway at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
"All Whites attacker Matt Garbett has been ruled out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after picking up a hamstring injury. The whole squad's thoughts are with Matt at this time and we are gutted he won't be able to play in the tournament. We look forward to seeing him back on the pitch soon," All Whites said in a statement.
The 24-year-old midfielder, who has played 38 games for New Zealand and scored five goals, has been replaced in the 26-man squad by Logan Rogerson.
Garbett suffered the injury during the All Whites' penultimate training session in San Diego on Saturday local time. He didn't train on Sunday before the team travelled to Los Angeles.
During the pre-match conference on Monday, head coach Darren Bazeley did reveal Garbett is under an injury cloud ahead of the opening match.
"He had a hamstring issue yesterday. So, at this stage he's being monitored by the physio department. We've got great medical people looking at him. He's obviously disappointed to not train today. He's a player that you know likes to train every single day. So yeah, that was tough for him, we're waiting to find out more medical advice on him at this stage," he had said.
New Zealand are playing in their third FIFA World Cup (1982, 2010, 2026). After a difficult first foray at Spain in 1982, the All Whites' next adventure was almost 28 days later in 2010 in South Africa. Having eased through qualification to secure the historic first direct slot available to the OFC, New Zealand are aiming to impress in North America.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Matt's replacement Logan Rogerson better step up! With Iran's strong squad, this could be tough for NZ. But you never know, football is unpredictable. Wishing Garbett a speedy recovery. 🏃♂️💪
Injuries are part of the game, but timing couldn't be worse. NZ has a decent record - unbeaten in 2010 group stage! Hope they can channel that spirit again. India's waiting for our own World Cup moment someday. 🇮🇳⚽
Feel for the lad - training hard and then this happens. NZ's medical team did their best but hamstring injuries are tricky. At least Logan gets a chance to make a name for himself at the World Cup! 👏
Honestly, I think NZ should focus on their defensive strength now. Without Garbett's creativity in midfield, they'll need to be solid at the back against Iran's counter-attacks. Tough break for the All Whites. 😞
Good luck to New Zealand! As someone who loves football, I hope they can make the OFC proud. Iran is no pushover though - they've been consistent in Asian football. Wishing Matt a full recovery. 🌟
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