Consistently sharp in the Isuzu UTE A-League, Roar defender James McGarry is aiming for a dream call-up to the All Whites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June.
The Kiwi defender has been a constant presence in the Roar backline this season and has lined up in every one of the 19 matches he’s been available for.
McGarry joined the men in orange ahead of the 2025/26 season, bringing extensive A-League experience from the Wellington Phoenix, Newcastle Jets, and Central Coast Mariners, along with overseas spells at Aberdeen in Scotland and Athens Kallithea in Greece.
Hailing from Mosgiel in New Zealand’s South Island, McGarry was called up as an injury replacement for the All Whites’ most recent international friendlies against two of South America’s top-ranked sides, Colombia and Ecuador, in the United States last November.
“It was awesome to be part of that squad,” McGarry reflected. “To come on in both games was really special, and it was great to test myself against some of the top players in the world.”
The FIFA World Cup begins on June 11 across Mexico, Canada, and the United States, and the All Whites have been drawn in Group G with Belgium, Egypt, and Iran. McGarry is in contention for a spot on New Zealand’s 26-man squad.
“It’s every Kiwi footballer’s dream to go to a World Cup, and it would be an honour to go with New Zealand. But at the end of the day it’s a tough team to make and there are a lot of really good players,” he said.
“I can only control what I can, and for me that means playing the best football I can here with the Brisbane Roar. My focus is on playing good, attractive football that fans can be proud of.”
As the only New Zealander in the Roar squad, McGarry admits the trans-Tasman banter is always flowing.
“I love the Australian guys. They’re a good group of guys and I gel really well. It’s definitely the easiest place to fit that I’ve found. Being a Kiwi, I get a bit of stick and I give a little stick back, but it works really well,” he said.
After a short break in the Isuzu UTE A-League, the Roar will return to action on March 13, hosting the Western Sydney Wanderers at Suncorp Stadium.
