Nando Pijnaker
New Zealand
Age
27
Appearances
0
Tackles won
0
About Nando Pijnaker
Nando Pijnaker is a centre-back in New Zealand's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, named in Darren Bazeley's final selection. He plays his club football for Auckland FC and is 27 at kick-off, bringing 24 senior caps for New Zealand.
New Zealand were drawn in Group G alongside Iran, Egypt and Belgium. Bazeley's side reached the finals by winning the OFC third-round play-off, with qualification confirmed on 24 March 2025, and Pijnaker is one of the defenders chosen for the tournament.
New Zealand were drawn in Group G alongside Iran, Egypt and Belgium. Bazeley's side reached the finals by winning the OFC third-round play-off, with qualification confirmed on 24 March 2025, and Pijnaker is one of the defenders chosen for the tournament.
World Cup 2026 Stats
Appearances
0
Minutes played
0
Tackles won
0
Interceptions
0
Clearances
0
Blocks
0
Playing Style
Nando Pijnaker is a centre-back, the position he fills for New Zealand and for his club Auckland FC. The job of a centre-back is to defend in the middle of the back line, the general brief for the role he is listed in. He is recorded at 1.85 m and is left-footed.
At 27 he has won 24 senior caps for New Zealand, and his club record this season is 17 appearances and 968 minutes for Auckland FC. He is named among the defenders in Darren Bazeley's final 26 for the 2026 World Cup.
At 27 he has won 24 senior caps for New Zealand, and his club record this season is 17 appearances and 968 minutes for Auckland FC. He is named among the defenders in Darren Bazeley's final 26 for the 2026 World Cup.
World Cup History
The 2026 World Cup would be Nando Pijnaker's first senior World Cup. He has no previous senior World Cup appearances, and his place rests on his inclusion in New Zealand's confirmed 26 rather than any time on the pitch at the finals yet. A centre-back with 24 senior caps and no international goals, he brings that record to the tournament rather than any previous World Cup experience.
National Team
New Zealand
Tier 5
£4m
📋 Teammates (25)
View teamGoalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Goal Rush Impact
Nando Pijnaker brings international experience to New Zealand's Goal Rush card, a centre-back with 24 senior caps and a season of club football at Auckland FC this term. New Zealand are listed in Tier 5 at £4m, within the game's £200m card budget, and Pijnaker is one of the defenders Bazeley has named for the group stage.
🏆 Goal Rush
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Select New Zealand (Tier 5, £4m) in Goal Rush and every goal Nando Pijnaker scores counts towards your total.
Pijnaker at the 2026 World Cup
Pijnaker is a confirmed Centre-Back in Darren Bazeley's 26-man New Zealand squad for the 2026 World Cup. He is in the New Zealand side opening their Group G campaign in June.
Picking New Zealand in Goal Rush
New Zealand sit in Tier 5 at £4m on the Goal Rush card. Pijnaker is one of the defenders Bazeley has named, and New Zealand open their Group G campaign against Iran on 15 June.
Nando Pijnaker World Cup 2026 FAQs
In Goal Rush, New Zealand are a Tier 5 side at £4m on the card. Nando Pijnaker is one of Bazeley's defenders for the 2026 World Cup, a low-cost option at that team price.
Pijnaker is a Centre-Back for New Zealand. He plays his club football for Auckland and is part of Darren Bazeley's national-team squad for the 2026 World Cup, named in New Zealand's final 26.
No. The 2026 World Cup will be Pijnaker's first. He has no previous senior World Cup appearances, reaching the tournament for the first time after his place in New Zealand's 26-man squad was confirmed.
Pijnaker plays his club football for Auckland. He is named among New Zealand's Centre-Backs in Darren Bazeley's final 26, with New Zealand opening their Group G campaign against Iran in mid-June.
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