Who is New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley?

We take an extensive look at the story and career of New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley as he faces England before leading his side to the 2026 World Cup.

It has been a fascinating journey for Bazeley, who spent the majority of his life in England before ending his playing career and experiencing all of his managerial career in New Zealand.

Where was Darren Bazeley born?

Bazeley was born in Northampton and started playing football at a very young age.

Taking part in coaching sessions with the School of Excellence, resulted in Bazeley being scouted by Watford at the age of 14.

The right-back/right-sided midfielder went on to make his professional debut for the Hornets at 17 and went on to spend 10 years at Vicarage Road - making 283 appearances between 1989 and 1999.

Bazeley went on to enjoy further playing spells, being almost an ever-present during his spells at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Walsall.

When did Darren Bazeley move to New Zealand?

After a long successful playing career in the EFL, the then 33-year-old made the move across the world to New Zealand to play for A-League side New Zealand Knights, before hanging up his boots following a short spell at Waitakere United.

It was then at Waitakere United where Bazaeley began his coaching career when he became head coach of the youth team, then assistant to the senior team before taking up the position of head coach and winning the New Zealand Football Championship.

Since 2009, other than a brief spell at Colorado Rapids, Bazeley has spent the rest of his career to date in and around the New Zealand set up.

What has Darren Bazeley achieved with New Zealand?

When Bazeley leads the All Whites out for their 2026 World Cup opener, he will become the first person in history to have coached this unique set of FIFA men’s international tournaments: U-17 World Cup, U-20 World Cu, Men’s Olympic Football Tournament and a World Cup.

This will be Bazeley's sixth FIFA tournament as he also participated in the 2027 Club World Cup with Waitakere United.

New Zealand Honours

New Zealand U-20

• Qualification for FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015 in New Zealand: last 16

• OFC U-20 Championship: 2016 champion

• Qualification for FIFA U-20 World Cup 2017 in Republic of Korea: last 16

New Zealand

• Qualification for FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 in Russia

• 2018 World Cup qualification OFC Finals winner

• OFC Nations Cup: 2024

• 2026 World Cup qualification