NEW Zealand’s Matt Garbett’s time at the 2026 World Cup was cut short in the early hours of Tuesday.
The All Whites’ midfielder was ruled out through injury last minute before their opener against Iran.
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Matt Garbett has been withdrawn from the 2026 World Cup Credit: Getty
The Peterborough star picked up a hamstring injury but has been replaced by Logan Rogerson Credit: Getty
In a statement posted online, the Oceania outfit said: “All Whites attacker Matt Garbett has been ruled out of the Fifa World Cup 2026 after picking up a hamstring injury.
“The whole squad’s thoughts are with Matt at this time and we are gutted he won’t be able to play in the tournament.
“We look forward to seeing him back on the pitch soon.”
Garbett revealed to Kiwi publication Stuff: “It was just a freak accident.
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“I knew straight away when I did it [that my World Cup was over].
“I’ve never had a muscle injury in my life. For it to be the first one and for it to be quite a bad one as well, it’s gut-wrenching.
“It’s been an emotional last 48 hours. A lot of tears. It’s hard to accept.”
“My parents are here and seeing them in tears … I was supposed to be starting to being ruled out of the World Cup, it’s not easy to take.”
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Garbett – who was born in London and currently stars for League One side Peterborough United, added: “I’ve sort of gotten better over the day, but watching the game from the stands, there were some tears wishing I was out there.
“It’s not easy, but at the same time I want to support the boys.”
An hour later, Auckland FC’s Logan Rogerson was announced as the replacement in the tournament squad.
The Kiwis noted that the 28-year-old “will travel to join the team immediately.”
Led by Nottingham Forest ace Chris Wood, the New Zealanders walked out to the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles for their first World Cup match in 16 years.
The ex-Newcastle star set Elijah Just up in the seventh minute to score the first goal of the game.
And while they were ahead, the All Whites posted a pic of their missing player’s shirt, alongside the message: “Gutted you missed this one but you’re still right here with us, Garbs.”
Ramin Rezaeian brought the World No.23s level before another Wood assist and a Just goal put New Zealand ahead again.
The two nations had only met twice before in 1973 and 2003, which saw a 0-0 draw and 3-0 Iran win respectively.
But in the end, Mohammad Mohebi dragged Iran level to share the points at full-time.
New Zealand maintained their mind-blowing record that they haven’t lost a World Cup game in nearly 44 years.
The All Whites’ remained undefeated in South Africa in 2010 despite being eliminated.
Their last World Cup loss came in 1982 against Brazil.
They will now go to face Belgium on Saturday before playing Egypt on June 22.
