The Unused Subs

What is the All Whites Starting XI? Will they escape Group G at the FIFA World Cup?

The answers to those two pertinent questions will present themselves in the coming days, because the wait is almost over - the FIFA World Cup for 2026 is so close we can almost taste it! On today's episode THE GODFATHER of New Zealand football arrives at Tyler St Sport. Yes that's right, it's none other than IVAN VICELICH. With Goran, Iffy and Oli Sail the awesome foursome predict who's in and who's out of the All Whites Starting XI... and the selection is clouded somewhat by the form, injury and rehabilitation of some key squad members.

Who takes the gloves - Alex Paulsen or Max Crocombe?

Does Libby Cacace start at left back despite missing huge chunks of Wrexham's season?

Will Tim Payne's superior crossing give him the advantage over Callan Elliot?

Has Sarpreet Singh played himself out of the XI?

The Unused Subs also talk about the past... their favourite memories of World Cups gone by, and Ivan puts himself in the shoes of the current crop of players - how will they deal with nerves and anxiety leading into the biggest game of their lives? The Godfather knows a thing or two about that, given his exploits in South Africa 16 years ago.

Oli Sail is one of Tim Payne's great mates. Has he had much success in contacting Payney since his phone blew up? And what would Ivan do if he were to become a viral social media sensation overnight? Jacob uses his phone to send a video message from the States, but sadly can't join the show today.

BRING ON THE FIFA WORLD CUP! Let's go All Whites!

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¿Por qué Tim Payne no será titular con Nueva Zelanda?

TIM PAYNE! The New Zealand All Whites footballer who has become the accidental hero of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Thanks to social media influencer Elscarso, the Wellington Phoenix right back went from 4,715 Instagram followers to around 4 million at the time of writing this blurb. WILD!

But what happens when your social media channel 'blows up'? Especially on the eve of the biggest football tournament in your career! It must be incredibly tempting to use the new audience for financial gain... but you've got a job to do across Canada, USA and Mexico - a big job, one that you've been working towards your whole life!

The Unused Subs discuss Payney's social media explosion, how NZ Football as a whole might leverage off of it, and ask an even bigger question (which has the potential to disappoint around about 4 to 5 million fans): WILL TIM EVEN START AT THE WORLD CUP!?

The answer to that question lies with this week's special guest, CALLAN ELLIOT. After winning the A-League Championship with Auckland FC, and before he jetted off to the World Cup, he spent some time with the lads talking about his form this season, the sleepless nights ahead of World Cup selection, and how he plans on pushing Tim exceptionally hard for a spot in the All Whites Starting XI.

Given that Callan had just been partying for two straight days following Auckland's Grand Final win over Sydney FC, his performance on the bench this week is even more impressive! But will it be he or Tim Payne on the bench against Iran in Game One?

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Sorry not sorry, Australia... your best football team comes from New Zealand! In front of 28,000 fans at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart, Auckland FC reached the A-League summit by defeating Sydney FC 1-0, giving Aotearoa its first-ever A-League champion. There to see it happen was ERIK PAARTALU of Paramount Plus who joins The Unused Subs to review the occasion, and look forward to what comes next - for AFC, the A-League competition, and Steve Corica.

The gaffer has covered himself in glory and silverware since joining Auckland - the minor premiership in Year One, the championship in Year Two. And with those successes, two questions must be asked: Is Steve Corica the BEST manager in A-League history? And... What will Steve do next? The Unused Subs with Erik's help attempt to predict whether Bimbi will stay in Auckland or take an offer offshore.

We also wonder whether Auckland FC can maintain the same level next season, given salary cap pressures, players leaving the club, and potential uncertainty around Steve's future. What say you? Will Auckland FC reign supreme for years to come, or is a bump in the road coming in Year Three?

The Auckland boys (correctly) have been partying long and hard since the final whistle, even taking the toilet seat trophy on a Monday boat ride after the Sunday downtown parade. The Subs reminisce about the days they could party hard, asking 'how hard is the hardest you partied?' One of the Subs nearly died on a 5-day trip to Tenerife! You've gotta get sleep when and where you can!

And a thought for our other kiwi team, the Wellington Phoenix. Deep down, what will they have thought of AFC's triumph... and how will they use it as motivation to do better next season?

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Kiwis will be scouring the web for Auckland FC vs Sydney FC tickets this week and Go Media Stadium Mt Smart will be packed for the first A-League Grand Final to be played in New Zealand - of course, you can always watch it live on Sky Sport!

To gear up for the action, The Unused Subs are joined by Auckland FC's Director of Football TERRY McFLYNN - a former champion with Sydney FC. It goes without saying that this match will be extra special for Terry and head coach Steve Corica, with their sky blue connections running very deep.

Terry details how the Black Knights got the job done in Adelaide, and how they plan to win at home on Saturday night - they haven't won in 90 minutes at Go Media Stadium since February 28th! Has anyone from the Wellington Phoenix been in touch to say 'well done'?

KOSTA BARBAROUSES joins us from Melbourne Airport as well, and we all know that he is no stranger to A-League Championship success. The All Whites, World Cup-bound striker tells us who wins and why, and be prepared Wellington Phoenix supporters... you might not like what he has to say!

Can Auckland FC win the A-League in New Zealand? Before the match, bar up for the action with The Unused Subs!

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Another gargantuan episode for The Unused Subs as we tackle a phenomenal week in New Zealand's football history - not only has the Wellington Phoenix made the A-League Women's GRAND FINAL, but Auckland FC has the chance to make the men's equivalent. Just think: TWO KIWI TEAMS in the A-League Grand Finals?!

And not only that, but FINN SURMAN of the Portland Timbers takes time out of his busy schedule to talk the FIFA WORLD CUP and his plans for going toe to toe with LIONEL MESSI in the MLS this week!

Phoenix goalkeeper VIC ESSON joins the bench too and relives the magic moment at Porirua Park... nearly 6,000 fans crammed in there to watch history being made.

Then the Subs lads go it alone, and predict what happens when Auckland FC meets Adelaide in the 2nd Leg Semifinal this Friday night. We pose the question: What role will LIAM GILLION play in AFC making their first-ever Grand Final?!

A huge week demands an equally huge episode... we hope you enjoy it!

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Kiwis talk football too!
#football #soccer #newzealand