New Zealand have confirmed their new coach for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ qualifying cycle as Fritz Schmid, following the exit late last year of Anthony Hudson.

The 58-year-old Swiss is the 17th coach of New Zealand with his most recent appointment being a four-year stint as Technical Director at the Malaysian FA.

Immediately prior Schmid was assistant coach of Austria’s national team alongside Marcel Koller, and previously was a long-term assistant at Basel for nearly a decade during a golden era for the Swiss club.

“I am excited to be here in New Zealand and build on what the team has achieved in the last four years,” Schmid said. “The All Whites are an exciting team and have huge potential.

“Our ultimate goal over the next four years is to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and I am confident we can achieve this.”

Schmid’s first role will be an international against Canada in late March.

After winning the OFC Nations Cup and competing at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, New Zealand missed out on a return trip to Russia this year following a 2-0 defeat against Peru in the intercontinental play-off.