Wrexham's Cacace relishing New Zealand's World Cup challenge
Liberato Cacace made his senior New Zealand debut in 2018
- Published
Wrexham wing-back Liberato Cacace believes New Zealand can spring a surprise at the World Cup finals.
New Zealand are the lowest-ranked side in this summer's tournament and will be appearing in their third ever finals.
The All Whites are in Group G alongside Iran, Egypt and Belgium.
"It's every kid's dream to play at a World Cup," Cacace told BBC Sport Wales.
"I've always wanted to play at it and I hope now, with everything behind me, I can, put on the shirt again and play for the nation.
"On paper you would say it's an easier group,
"But every game is very important and we're going to take one game at a time and hopefully surprise some people around the world."
Liberto Cacace's only goal for Wrexham during the 2025-26 season came in the FA Cup third round against Nottingham Forest.
New Zealand, who came through the Oceania Football Confederation qualifiers to reach the finals, are due to face Iran in Los Angeles in their opening game on 16 June.
They then face Egypt on 22 June and Belgium on 27 June, both matches in Vancouver, and Cacace is relishing facing players such as The Pharaohs' Mo Salah.
"As a player, I always like to put myself up there with the best players in the world, so I'm looking forward to that challenge," Cacace said.
"Hopefully I can get the best out of them, the best against them."
Cacace has been included in Darren Bazeley's 26-man squad having been limited to only 13 appearances due to injuries in his debut season with Wrexham.
The 25-year-old, who joined the north Wales club from Italian side Empoli in July 2025, was on the bench for their final two games of the Championship season.
"It's been a frustrating one for me, but I'm just looking to put everything behind me and just focus now on the World Cup and for New Zealand," Cacace said.
"Just take it day by day, really, week by week and at the moment the body's good and I'm just building up from there and making sure I'm ready and fit to go for the first game.
"You know, it was maybe at the back of my mind this World Cup, especially with the injuries I had.
"But during the season I was just frustrated not to be out there to help the boys, especially with how close we came to the play-offs."
New Zealand have appeared in two previous World Cup finals – 1982 and 2010 – but have yet to win a game.
Cacace said the squad is well aware of the magnitude of their appearance in the expanded 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
"We've spoken about it," Cacace added.
"It's so big that I think you'll be hit by all the excitement and, I guess, how big it is once you're there in the bubble and you're there at the game.
"We have a big following from back home and we're just looking to make the country proud and create history.
"It's the most played sport in the country but I guess it's overshadowed a lot by the rugby, by the All Blacks and their successes.
"Right now, you know, everyone's just enjoying being together and we don't want to be too phased with how big the event is."
New Zealand face Haiti in a friendly on Wednesday, 3 June in Fort Lauderdale, Florida before a friendly against England in Tampa, Florida three days later.
