A 26-year-old right-back who grew up in the small Scottish town of Annan has been named in New Zealand’s provisional squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Callan Elliot, previously associated with Annan Athletic, was announced as part of the All Whites’ roster by New Zealand Football on May 13, 2026.

From Annan to Auckland to the world stage

Elliot currently plays as a right-back for Auckland FC in the A-League, having worked his way up from considerably humbler surroundings. Annan Athletic, for the uninitiated, competes in the fourth tier of Scottish football. The club is based in a town of roughly 9,000 people in Dumfries and Galloway, near the English border.

Elliot qualifies for New Zealand through his heritage, and he’s embracing that connection to represent the All Whites internationally. His inclusion in the provisional squad places him alongside established names like Chris Wood, who has spent years competing in the English Premier League, and Tommy Smith, another experienced international defender.

What this means for New Zealand’s World Cup campaign

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, represents a significant opportunity for New Zealand. The tournament is expanding to 48 teams, which opened the door for more nations to qualify.

New Zealand’s World Cup history is modest but not without its moments. The All Whites famously went unbeaten at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, drawing all three group stage matches, including a 1-1 result against defending champions Italy. They didn’t advance past the group stage, but they also didn’t lose a single game.

The final squad submission deadline is set for June 2, 2026. Between now and then, Elliot and others in the provisional roster will need to prove they deserve one of the final spots.