Title-winning José Figueira has been appointed head coach of the New Zealand U-20 men’s team.
Figueira (44) takes over the role from Chris Greenacre, who has been named head coach of the Wellington Phoenix’s men’s A-League side.
“It is a real privilege to take on this role and continue the great work Greeny has done across the previous cycle,” Figueira said.
Figuera was previously an assistant coach with the U-20s and has previously led the national U-17 men’s side at the 2019 FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup.
“From my time with the team as assistant coach, I’ve seen the level of talent we have coming through, so I’m really looking forward to getting back on the grass as we look to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027 in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan,” he said.
“As U-17 head coach, I got to work with a number of players who have since gone on to become key members of the All Whites, so I’m excited about continuing that journey to support the development of the next generation.”
In domestic football, Figueira coached Auckland City and Team Wellington to National League titles, and won the OFC Men’s Champions League with both teams.
In 2018, he led Team Wellington to the FIFA Club World Cup, where the side drew with UAE’s biggest side Al Ain before being eliminated on penalties.
Most recently, he played a key role at Auckland United as head coach of their National League side, qualifying the team for the Championship phase for the first time, and overseeing development, overhauling the club’s talent strategy, and supporting the nurturing of players into the professional game.
Figueira will begin in the role immediately ahead of the side taking part in the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship, the qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup.
New Zealand have drawn to play Tahiti, Fiji, and Vanuatu at the tournament, set to be played in Apia, Samoa, in September 2026.
Main photo: José Figueira … ‘A real privilege to take on this role.’ Photo credit: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.
This story was first published on May 2, 2026.