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Marko Stamenic plays key role in New Zealand's World Cup draw

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 5:39 AM

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

Marko Stamenic plays key role in New Zealand's World Cup draw

Summary

Marko Stamenic represented Swansea City as he played nearly the entire match during New Zealand's 2-2 draw against Iran in the World Cup in Los Angeles. The 24-year-old midfielder started the match, contributing with 57 passes and one shot on target before being substituted in stoppage time. This marks New Zealand's first World Cup match in 16 years. Stamenic is one of three players with Pacific Island heritage on the squad and expressed that he carries his father's memory on the field. New Zealand's next match is against Egypt on June 22, while Swansea City's Cameron Burgess also participated in the World Cup, helping Australia to a victory over Turkey.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Stamenic played 92 minutes in New Zealand's match against Iran.
•New Zealand's last World Cup appearance was 16 years ago.
•Stamenic's performance included 57 passes with an 87% accuracy rate.
•New Zealand faces Egypt in their next World Cup match on June 22.
•Cameron Burgess of Swansea helped Australia secure a 2-0 win over Turkey.

Latest Updates

5:39 AMYahoo Sports — Stamenic becomes third Swan to play at this summer's World Cup

What they're saying

"
Marko Stamenic became the third Swansea City player to feature in this summer's World Cup finals, playing almost the entirety of New Zealand's 2-2 Group G draw with Iran in Los Angeles. The 24-year-old midfielder was in the starting line-up for the All White's first World Cup appearance in 16 years, playing 92 minutes before being replaced by Nottingham Forest's Tyler Bindon in stoppage time. "I'm always thinking of him when I step on the field, whether that's for the national team or for Swansea," Stamenic told BBC Sport Wales.
— Yahoo Sports

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