Why New Zealand soccer is called the ‘All Whites”

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Those watching New Zealand at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have heard their nickname: the "All Whites."

It's one that feels a bit unusual, and so it has fans questioning the origin of such a nomenclature.

It's not actually complex or as suggestive as one might think.

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Why is New Zealand soccer called the 'All Whites'?​

This has entirely to do with the uniforms they wear.

New Zealand's soccer teams wear, whenever possible, white shirts with white shorts and white socks.

Thus, they are wearing all white.

And thus, the "All Whites."

It's in contrast with the more famous New Zealand sporting side, the rugby team.

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What is New Zealand rugby called?​

The rugby team from New Zealand is called the "All Blacks."

That's because they wear black tops, black shorts and black socks.

They keep things simple in New Zealand -- wearing just one color, and referring to them by that color.

The soccer national team wears the white uniforms in part to not copy the rugby team.

And now they each have their own identity.

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