December 19, 2025 • 10 mins
All Whites Midfielder Joe Bell joined Piney to chat about the team's preparation ahead of the World Cup next year.
He explains how international games have sharpened the squad, how they plan to avoid narrow defeats, how the 26-man roster shapes their team's identity, and the confidence boost they'll have from playing at home in March.
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks B.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
It is just under six months until the All Whites
first pall match at the twenty twenty six Football World
Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. New Zealand
will play Iran in Los Angeles, followed by games against
Egypt and Belgium, both in Vancouver. We are joined by
All Whites midfielder Joe Bell. Let's start with the group, Joe, Iran, Egypt, Belgium.
(00:35):
How do you assess that as a group for the
All Whites to be a part of.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
Yeah, well, exciting, really exciting. I think it's yeah, of
course a strong group. It's the World Cup. You've got
to expect strong opponents. But I think it worked out
pretty well for us in good locations as well. So yeah,
six months away, exciting time. Still a lot of work
to do going into that, but no, can't wait.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
How do you feel the All Whites are tracking as
a team six months out from the World Cup.
Speaker 4 (01:05):
I think we're really tracking well.
Speaker 3 (01:07):
It's been obviously a long term focus for us and
we've we've been planning for this moment for a long
time and I think we've been taking those little steps
forward that we need to be taken. Of course, we'd
like a couple more victories going into it, but no,
in terms of the general perspective, we're really happy with
how we're setting up for it. As I said before,
(01:28):
there's obviously a little bit more work to be done.
We've got a couple more games in March and then
obviously a little bit before the World Cup as well,
but no exciting and yeah, we're feeling well prepared.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
So since qualifying in March, speaking of preparation, you've played
Cote Devoirs, Ukraine, Australia twice, Poland, Norway, Columbia and Ecuador,
all very good football teams. How have games against that
quality of opposition sharpened the side?
Speaker 4 (01:57):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (01:59):
I mean we know the opposition that we're going to
play against, the level that we're going to play against
going into a World Cup, so you know, having opportunities
to play against to opponents of that level, it kind
of just sets us up perfectly. Like I said, we
would have enjoyed a few more victories, but I think
for those people that have been watching closely at those performances,
there has been a clear trend of improvement through them,
(02:21):
and of course they're not They're not easy teams to
play against, but you know, I think the expectation and
the mentality within the team now is these are teams
that we can not only compete against, but when And
I think for us, the goal of doing well at
a World Cup requires us to win and get results
against those kind of oppositions. So yeah, to play against
them is the perfect practice. And like I said, I
(02:43):
think where we're working nicely to try set up some
good results in the World Cup.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
We look back at those games and a number of
them ended in narrow defeat and while that is noble
in a way, it doesn't get you any points when
the World Cup rolls around. So what is the key
Joe to getting results against quality sides like these at
the World Cup next year?
Speaker 4 (03:07):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (03:07):
I mean it has been the focus and it has
been a discussion point especially lately. I think as you
as you find a lenk closer to the World Cup,
you want to be looking specifically on making sure we
are getting three points or a point. And I think
at this level the difference is so small, and of
course we're hoping to get our absolute strongest team on
(03:28):
the pitch. We've been missing Woodsy a little bit lately
with him struggling with some, yeah, some injuries. So I
think the small differences that players can make and yeah,
being slightly more precise in both boxes defensively and offensively
is going to be the key for us.
Speaker 2 (03:46):
Have you noticed an extra edge every time the all
whites get together?
Speaker 1 (03:50):
Now?
Speaker 2 (03:50):
With you know, a squad to be named of twenty
six for the World Cup and there's a lot more
than twenty twenty six good players, everybody wanting to be
on the plane, does it feel like there's an extra
edge every time you get together?
Speaker 4 (04:05):
Yeah? Absolutely, absolutely.
Speaker 3 (04:06):
It's a huge opportunity for all footballers. I think it's
the biggest goal is to play and represent your country
at a World Cup. But we have developed a culture
within the team that I think is probably one of
our strongest points. And of course there is a bit
of a cutthroat edge with everyone wants to compete and
everyone wants to perform, But I think more importantly, we
(04:27):
are a really good group of friends, so I think
everyone understands the importance of it, but slightly puts that
second to the fact that we're representing our country and
we're doing it for each other, so yeah, it is.
It is intense, and there's a lot of competition for spots,
but yeah, we're a strong, tight knit group that really
tries to support each other.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
And of course as we enter the new year, the
preparation ramps up again as you really bring into focus
the World Cup in June, and fantastic that we're going
to get the chance to watch ther Whites here on
the home sore a couple of games in March. We
love having the All Whites at home. But what about
the players? How much are you looking forward to playing
a couple of games at home in March?
Speaker 4 (05:07):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (05:07):
Absolutely, I think you know, more recently we've been able
to get some more games in New Zealand, which has
been fantastic. It feels yeah for players, we feel a
little bit more connected to the home fan base and
build some more excitement leading into the World Cup. So
I think March will be exactly the same. And everyone
loves being home and playing at home in front of family,
friends and the fans, so yeah, it's going to be great.
Speaker 2 (05:28):
Club wise, Joe, you've just finished a history making season
with your club Viking. You are Norwegian champions, the first
time since nineteen ninety one that the club has won
the league. How big a moment was that for the
club and its fiens.
Speaker 4 (05:43):
Yeah, that was pretty nuts.
Speaker 3 (05:44):
No, it was a really fantastic experience the Yeah, the
locals went pretty crazy on that one, but no, it
was really fantastically to be honest. We worked really hard
as the team to achieve it, and yeah, to celebrate
it was yeah, celebrating with the city and with all
the fans. It was really one of my favorite moments
in my football career so far.
Speaker 2 (06:03):
Be it quickly became a two horse race between yourselves
and Bodo Glimped, who won the last two titles and
four of the last five. So that've been the dominant
domestic norwegianside for the last little while. What was the
key to holding your nerve and staying consistent at the
back end of the season. Eleven wins in your last
thirteen games, you won your last seven straight. What was
(06:24):
the key to staying consistent and holding your nerve?
Speaker 3 (06:29):
Yeah, it was a little bit stressful, to be honest.
It was a little bit of nailbiding going on. But no,
we've been the core group of the team has been
together for quite a while and we've been through some
ups and downs in the past few years. We've been
we've been closed, but haven't been quite over to push
through and get it and get a gold medal. So
I think this year we had the experience, we knew
(06:51):
what we were getting into, and as you said, we
won the last seven of seven, which, when you're in
a head to head title races, yeah, frankly just impressive.
And a team against Bodo Glimpse, you can't afford to
slip up once and we didn't and yeah that's very
easy to say, but really really hard to do. But
now super impressed with the team and to be honest,
(07:12):
proud to be a part of it.
Speaker 4 (07:13):
It was truly special.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
And a big part of it too. Joe. You played
an all but one game. The only game you missed
was because you've got a one game band for yellow
cart accumulation. You played ninety minutes in pretty much every match,
you wore the captain's armband half a dozen times. It
was just such an impressive season. Are you in the
best form of your career?
Speaker 4 (07:35):
Yeah, tough to say, tough to say.
Speaker 3 (07:37):
I hope there's I hope there's more to come, but no,
it's been it's been an enjoyable year. A hard year too,
but now it's been. Yeah, I've been happy looking back
on this year because obviously I had a little bit
of a tough time making a move to Denmark and
it didn't quite work out, and then coming back and
kind of yeah, reshaping how I was focusing on the sport,
(07:58):
and now it's it's been good to feel like I've
moved through.
Speaker 4 (08:02):
That and then to have success this year.
Speaker 3 (08:04):
So yeah, football was a long journey, but not happy
where I'm at, happy where I'm going into letting into
the World Cup, but of course hoping there's a little
bit more in me to come.
Speaker 2 (08:12):
So I'm sure there was or there is. I wasn't
suggesting for a second that you've peaked, not at your raids.
There's lots more to come. And just on the Norwegian season,
it's quite different from some of the other or most
of the other European leagues, and that you don't start
again until March now will then help in any way
with the timing of the World Cup. The fact that
(08:32):
you'll be what only two or three months into your
new season rather than at the end of it, as
many of the other European leagues will be.
Speaker 4 (08:41):
Yeah, for sure.
Speaker 3 (08:42):
To be honest, I think it's a little bit of
an advantage for me. I think I'll be physically, probably
in my best shape instead of yeah, the players that
are coming to the end of the season and probably
quite fatigued. But of course that's something that's completely something
someone can manage. Yeah, but for me it's going to
be perfect. I think I'm going to be raring to
go and in really good physical shape. So yeah, ad
lanes up quite nicely.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
And you'll be back in the US for the World Cup.
You spend some time there, of course early in your
football career, went to college in Virginia. Have you been
back much. I know you've played over there with the
All Whites a few times, but outside of football, have
you been back to the United States very often?
Speaker 4 (09:17):
Yeah, not so much, to be fair, it's hard to
find the time. Always. I feel like, yeah, living on
the other side of the world.
Speaker 3 (09:23):
Whenever I get a decent holiday, I feel a little
bit compelled to see mom and dad and get home
and catch up with some friends. So that's how it goes.
But no, I excited I'm really excited with the locations
we have obviously La and then Vancouver twice, so yeah,
really cool places to be based and like we touched
on at the start, exciting games. So no, it's going
to be a really really cool experience.
Speaker 2 (09:44):
Yeah, I can't wait. So you do get a bit
of a summer break, you're back here for a bit, yeah.
Speaker 4 (09:48):
And zed summer.
Speaker 3 (09:49):
Yeah, so I'm back home here for a few weeks
and letting the body recuperate a little bit. It's a
big year of football to come, so yeah again ready
for it.
Speaker 2 (09:56):
Yeah, good stuff, Joe. Well, it's great to get the
chance to Jetia mate, and as you say, just such
an exciting time for the players but also for All
Whites fans. So we're going to get the chance for
the first time since twenty ten watch out side at
a football World Cup. Thanks so much for joining us, mate,
Merry Christmas and look forward to catching up in twenty
twenty six.
Speaker 4 (10:13):
Yeah, lovely great being too, braining.
Speaker 2 (10:15):
No great speaking to you too, Joe, Joe Belt pretty
crucial part of the All Whites and looking forward to
in just under six months from now their first game
at the twenty twenty six feet for World Cup against
Iran in Los Angeles. Just checking on the cricket New
Zealand's still battling for that fourth wicket the week.
Speaker 1 (10:34):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to News Talk sed B weekends from midday or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks B.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
It is just under six months until the All Whites
first pall match at the twenty twenty six Football World
Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. New Zealand
will play Iran in Los Angeles, followed by games against
Egypt and Belgium, both in Vancouver. We are joined by
All Whites midfielder Joe Bell. Let's start with the group, Joe, Iran, Egypt, Belgium.
(00:35):
How do you assess that as a group for the
All Whites to be a part of.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
Yeah, well, exciting, really exciting. I think it's yeah, of
course a strong group. It's the World Cup. You've got
to expect strong opponents. But I think it worked out
pretty well for us in good locations as well. So yeah,
six months away, exciting time. Still a lot of work
to do going into that, but no, can't wait.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
How do you feel the All Whites are tracking as
a team six months out from the World Cup.
Speaker 4 (01:05):
I think we're really tracking well.
Speaker 3 (01:07):
It's been obviously a long term focus for us and
we've we've been planning for this moment for a long
time and I think we've been taking those little steps
forward that we need to be taken. Of course, we'd
like a couple more victories going into it, but no,
in terms of the general perspective, we're really happy with
how we're setting up for it. As I said before,
(01:28):
there's obviously a little bit more work to be done.
We've got a couple more games in March and then
obviously a little bit before the World Cup as well,
but no exciting and yeah, we're feeling well prepared.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
So since qualifying in March, speaking of preparation, you've played
Cote Devoirs, Ukraine, Australia twice, Poland, Norway, Columbia and Ecuador,
all very good football teams. How have games against that
quality of opposition sharpened the side?
Speaker 4 (01:57):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (01:59):
I mean we know the opposition that we're going to
play against, the level that we're going to play against
going into a World Cup, so you know, having opportunities
to play against to opponents of that level, it kind
of just sets us up perfectly. Like I said, we
would have enjoyed a few more victories, but I think
for those people that have been watching closely at those performances,
there has been a clear trend of improvement through them,
(02:21):
and of course they're not They're not easy teams to
play against, but you know, I think the expectation and
the mentality within the team now is these are teams
that we can not only compete against, but when And
I think for us, the goal of doing well at
a World Cup requires us to win and get results
against those kind of oppositions. So yeah, to play against
them is the perfect practice. And like I said, I
(02:43):
think where we're working nicely to try set up some
good results in the World Cup.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
We look back at those games and a number of
them ended in narrow defeat and while that is noble
in a way, it doesn't get you any points when
the World Cup rolls around. So what is the key
Joe to getting results against quality sides like these at
the World Cup next year?
Speaker 4 (03:07):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (03:07):
I mean it has been the focus and it has
been a discussion point especially lately. I think as you
as you find a lenk closer to the World Cup,
you want to be looking specifically on making sure we
are getting three points or a point. And I think
at this level the difference is so small, and of
course we're hoping to get our absolute strongest team on
(03:28):
the pitch. We've been missing Woodsy a little bit lately
with him struggling with some, yeah, some injuries. So I
think the small differences that players can make and yeah,
being slightly more precise in both boxes defensively and offensively
is going to be the key for us.
Speaker 2 (03:46):
Have you noticed an extra edge every time the all
whites get together?
Speaker 1 (03:50):
Now?
Speaker 2 (03:50):
With you know, a squad to be named of twenty
six for the World Cup and there's a lot more
than twenty twenty six good players, everybody wanting to be
on the plane, does it feel like there's an extra
edge every time you get together?
Speaker 4 (04:05):
Yeah? Absolutely, absolutely.
Speaker 3 (04:06):
It's a huge opportunity for all footballers. I think it's
the biggest goal is to play and represent your country
at a World Cup. But we have developed a culture
within the team that I think is probably one of
our strongest points. And of course there is a bit
of a cutthroat edge with everyone wants to compete and
everyone wants to perform, But I think more importantly, we
(04:27):
are a really good group of friends, so I think
everyone understands the importance of it, but slightly puts that
second to the fact that we're representing our country and
we're doing it for each other, so yeah, it is.
It is intense, and there's a lot of competition for spots,
but yeah, we're a strong, tight knit group that really
tries to support each other.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
And of course as we enter the new year, the
preparation ramps up again as you really bring into focus
the World Cup in June, and fantastic that we're going
to get the chance to watch ther Whites here on
the home sore a couple of games in March. We
love having the All Whites at home. But what about
the players? How much are you looking forward to playing
a couple of games at home in March?
Speaker 4 (05:07):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (05:07):
Absolutely, I think you know, more recently we've been able
to get some more games in New Zealand, which has
been fantastic. It feels yeah for players, we feel a
little bit more connected to the home fan base and
build some more excitement leading into the World Cup. So
I think March will be exactly the same. And everyone
loves being home and playing at home in front of family,
friends and the fans, so yeah, it's going to be great.
Speaker 2 (05:28):
Club wise, Joe, you've just finished a history making season
with your club Viking. You are Norwegian champions, the first
time since nineteen ninety one that the club has won
the league. How big a moment was that for the
club and its fiens.
Speaker 4 (05:43):
Yeah, that was pretty nuts.
Speaker 3 (05:44):
No, it was a really fantastic experience the Yeah, the
locals went pretty crazy on that one, but no, it
was really fantastically to be honest. We worked really hard
as the team to achieve it, and yeah, to celebrate
it was yeah, celebrating with the city and with all
the fans. It was really one of my favorite moments
in my football career so far.
Speaker 2 (06:03):
Be it quickly became a two horse race between yourselves
and Bodo Glimped, who won the last two titles and
four of the last five. So that've been the dominant
domestic norwegianside for the last little while. What was the
key to holding your nerve and staying consistent at the
back end of the season. Eleven wins in your last
thirteen games, you won your last seven straight. What was
(06:24):
the key to staying consistent and holding your nerve?
Speaker 3 (06:29):
Yeah, it was a little bit stressful, to be honest.
It was a little bit of nailbiding going on. But no,
we've been the core group of the team has been
together for quite a while and we've been through some
ups and downs in the past few years. We've been
we've been closed, but haven't been quite over to push
through and get it and get a gold medal. So
I think this year we had the experience, we knew
(06:51):
what we were getting into, and as you said, we
won the last seven of seven, which, when you're in
a head to head title races, yeah, frankly just impressive.
And a team against Bodo Glimpse, you can't afford to
slip up once and we didn't and yeah that's very
easy to say, but really really hard to do. But
now super impressed with the team and to be honest,
(07:12):
proud to be a part of it.
Speaker 4 (07:13):
It was truly special.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
And a big part of it too. Joe. You played
an all but one game. The only game you missed
was because you've got a one game band for yellow
cart accumulation. You played ninety minutes in pretty much every match,
you wore the captain's armband half a dozen times. It
was just such an impressive season. Are you in the
best form of your career?
Speaker 4 (07:35):
Yeah, tough to say, tough to say.
Speaker 3 (07:37):
I hope there's I hope there's more to come, but no,
it's been it's been an enjoyable year. A hard year too,
but now it's been. Yeah, I've been happy looking back
on this year because obviously I had a little bit
of a tough time making a move to Denmark and
it didn't quite work out, and then coming back and
kind of yeah, reshaping how I was focusing on the sport,
(07:58):
and now it's it's been good to feel like I've
moved through.
Speaker 4 (08:02):
That and then to have success this year.
Speaker 3 (08:04):
So yeah, football was a long journey, but not happy
where I'm at, happy where I'm going into letting into
the World Cup, but of course hoping there's a little
bit more in me to come.
Speaker 2 (08:12):
So I'm sure there was or there is. I wasn't
suggesting for a second that you've peaked, not at your raids.
There's lots more to come. And just on the Norwegian season,
it's quite different from some of the other or most
of the other European leagues, and that you don't start
again until March now will then help in any way
with the timing of the World Cup. The fact that
(08:32):
you'll be what only two or three months into your
new season rather than at the end of it, as
many of the other European leagues will be.
Speaker 4 (08:41):
Yeah, for sure.
Speaker 3 (08:42):
To be honest, I think it's a little bit of
an advantage for me. I think I'll be physically, probably
in my best shape instead of yeah, the players that
are coming to the end of the season and probably
quite fatigued. But of course that's something that's completely something
someone can manage. Yeah, but for me it's going to
be perfect. I think I'm going to be raring to
go and in really good physical shape. So yeah, ad
lanes up quite nicely.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
And you'll be back in the US for the World Cup.
You spend some time there, of course early in your
football career, went to college in Virginia. Have you been
back much. I know you've played over there with the
All Whites a few times, but outside of football, have
you been back to the United States very often?
Speaker 4 (09:17):
Yeah, not so much, to be fair, it's hard to
find the time. Always. I feel like, yeah, living on
the other side of the world.
Speaker 3 (09:23):
Whenever I get a decent holiday, I feel a little
bit compelled to see mom and dad and get home
and catch up with some friends. So that's how it goes.
But no, I excited I'm really excited with the locations
we have obviously La and then Vancouver twice, so yeah,
really cool places to be based and like we touched
on at the start, exciting games. So no, it's going
to be a really really cool experience.
Speaker 2 (09:44):
Yeah, I can't wait. So you do get a bit
of a summer break, you're back here for a bit, yeah.
Speaker 4 (09:48):
And zed summer.
Speaker 3 (09:49):
Yeah, so I'm back home here for a few weeks
and letting the body recuperate a little bit. It's a
big year of football to come, so yeah again ready
for it.
Speaker 2 (09:56):
Yeah, good stuff, Joe. Well, it's great to get the
chance to Jetia mate, and as you say, just such
an exciting time for the players but also for All
Whites fans. So we're going to get the chance for
the first time since twenty ten watch out side at
a football World Cup. Thanks so much for joining us, mate,
Merry Christmas and look forward to catching up in twenty
twenty six.
Speaker 4 (10:13):
Yeah, lovely great being too, braining.
Speaker 2 (10:15):
No great speaking to you too, Joe, Joe Belt pretty
crucial part of the All Whites and looking forward to
in just under six months from now their first game
at the twenty twenty six feet for World Cup against
Iran in Los Angeles. Just checking on the cricket New
Zealand's still battling for that fourth wicket the week.
Speaker 1 (10:34):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to News Talk sed B weekends from midday or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
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