FRISCO, Texas (Sept. 12, 2025) – North Texas SC defender James Bulkeley has been called up to the New Zealand U-20 national team for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, to be played in Chile from Sept. 16 to Oct. 21, 2025. The tournament marks New Zealand’s seventh consecutive appearance at the U-20 World Cup.
Bulkeley debuted for North Texas SC on March 14 against Whitecaps FC 2 after signing with the club in Jan. 2025. He has made 10 appearances and eight starts this season.
The Napier, New Zealand, native made four appearances for the national team in 2024. He scored his first international goal in the U-19 Oceania Football Confederation Championship final, helping the All Whites secure the title. The defender started in two friendlies against Chile on June 4 and June 7, 2025, scoring a goal in the second match.
New Zealand will compete in Group A against host Chile on Sept. 27 at 6:00 PM CT, Egypt on Sept. 30 at 3:00 PM CT, and Japan on Oct. 3 at 6:00 PM CT. The top two teams from each of the six groups, along with the four best third-place teams, will advance to the round of 16. New Zealand looks to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in nation history.
