Liberato Cacace — New Zealand World Cup 2026 Squad

Career Highlights

Liberato Cacace has been one of the most consistent left-backs in Serie A since breaking into Empoli's first team, earning recognition as one of the few New Zealanders to establish himself in a top-five European league. He was named in the Serie A Team of the Month multiple times during the 2023-24 season and has attracted interest from larger Italian clubs. With 28 caps at just 24, he is already among New Zealand's most capped defenders and was part of the squad that reached the 2024 OFC Nations Cup final. His development from A-League prospect to Serie A regular is one of New Zealand football's most impressive trajectory stories.

Club Career

Cacace came through the Wellington Phoenix academy and made his A-League debut at 17, quickly drawing attention with his attacking intent and composure on the ball. After three seasons in New Zealand, he moved to Sint-Truiden in Belgium in 2021 before transferring to Empoli in 2022. The step up to Serie A suited him: his defensive positioning improved dramatically under Paolo Zanetti, and his overlapping runs and crossing accuracy made him a valuable outlet on the left side. He became an undisputed starter and played every minute of Empoli's 2023-24 survival campaign. His performances in Italy have drawn scouting attention from Napoli, Juventus, and Premier League clubs.

International Career & World Cup History

Cacace debuted for New Zealand in 2018 as a teenager and has been the first-choice left-back ever since. He was part of the 2019 and 2023 OFC Nations Cup campaigns and started in the 2024 final. New Zealand have not qualified for a World Cup since 2010, but Cacace was part of the squad that narrowly missed the intercontinental playoff for the 2022 edition. His 28 caps include two goals, both from set pieces. He has been a consistent performer against the limited opposition in Oceania, but his Serie A experience gives him credentials few New Zealand defenders can match.

World Cup 2026 Outlook

As co-hosts, New Zealand have automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, and Cacace will be 24 during the tournament, entering his prime years. He is virtually certain to start at left-back and will face significantly higher-calibre wingers than he encounters in OFC competition. His Serie A experience should serve him well: he competes against players like Samuel Chukwueze and Federico Chiesa weekly. If New Zealand are to be competitive, Cacace's ability to get forward and deliver quality crosses while maintaining defensive discipline will be essential. The tournament could be his audition for a move to an even bigger club.