Alex Rufer
Squad number 14 · Wellington Phoenix
Their 2026 World Cup
Alex Rufer travelled to the 2026 World Cup with New Zealand, wearing number 14, without ever getting on the pitch. His side played 3 matches (1 draw and 2 defeats) and bowed out in the group stage (Group G), beaten by Belgium 5-1.
Midfield went to M. Stamenić (3 matches, 269′) and E. Just (3 matches, 265′).
Another 8 players in the New Zealand squad ended up the same way, without a single minute. The full run is on the New Zealand team page.
Biography
Alex Arthur Rufer (/ˈɹuːfə(ɹ)/; born 12 June 1996) is a New Zealand professional footballer who captains and plays as a defensive midfielder for Wellington Phoenix in the A-League. Born in Switzerland, he represents the New Zealand national team.
Personal life Rufer is the son of former international New Zealand player Shane Rufer, and the nephew of Oceania Player of the Century Wynton Rufer. He also attended Palmerston North Boys' High School.
Club career Rufer started his career with YoungHeart Manawatu. In February 2013, Rufer joined Wairarapa United. In August 2013, ahead of the A-League season, Rufer signed a three-year contract with Wellington Phoenix. Rufer made his debut for the Wellington Phoenix in the 3–2 away win against Newcastle Jets on 9 February 2014. In a 2–1 loss against Brisbane Roar on 12 March 2022, Rufer suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. He was expected to return from injury 12 months later.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) · text adapted from the article.
See all the tournament stats on the World Cup data hub.
Photo: JaumeBG · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)