PremiumMichael BurgessSenior Sports Journalist·NZ Herald·26 Jun, 2026 09:01 PM5 mins to read‌Ryan Thomas returned to the All Whites last year after an international hiatus of almost six years. Photo / Getty Images Ryan Thomas returned to the All Whites last year after an international hiatus of almost six years. Photo / Getty Images By Michael Burgess in VancouverIn their final group match of the Fifa World Cup, All Whites midfielder Ryan Thomas should achieve a dream almost 15 years in the making.

The 31-year-old is one of the true pioneers of this New Zealand team, someone who helped establish a pathway for