Pirates forward snubbed for New Zealand World Cup squad

Orlando Pirates forward Andre de Jong has been overlooked for the final 2026 FIFA World Cup squad for New Zealand.

The 29-year-old has been excluded from the squad that was announced on Wednesday, with a few weeks left before the start of the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA.

De Jong was left out of the team following his continued struggle for game-time at the Soweto giants, having signed with the club in the January transfer window from Stellenbosch FC.

The talented signed with Pirates as a high-profile name; however, he has so far struggled to live up to expectations. De Jong has managed to score one goal for Pirates in the Nedbank Cup Last 32 against the third division side Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC.

Our FIFA World Cup squad. pic.twitter.com/dWzpRSJh42

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) May 13, 2026

Pirates attacker de Jong dropped from the New Zealand squad

The former Royal AM star has faced stiff competition at Pirates, which subsequently cost him a spot in the New Zealand squad. Interestingly, New Zealand has included former SuperSport United defender Michael Boxall in the squad that will do duty against Egypt, Iran, and Belgium in Group G.

Meanwhile, De Jong is missing out on the final squad despite being called up to the team in the previous international break. On the other hand, the utility star is on course to clinch the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title on Saturday if Pirates claim a win against Durban City FC at home.

Maximum points will take the Buccaneers to the summit of the league table with 68 points and superior goal difference against Mamelodi Sundowns, who already wrapped up their campaign in the league with a 3-2 defeat against TS Galaxy.