Football star-turned-coach Rory Fallon was born the same year his father, Kevin Fallon, helped guide the All Whites to their first-ever FIFA World Cup.
Growing up, football’s greatest tournament wasn’t just something he watched – it was woven into the fabric of his football-loving family.
“It’s part of my life and the DNA of our family. I loved it,” he tells The Detail.
Twenty-eight years after Kevin’s historic campaign, Rory etched his own name into New Zealand football folklore, scoring the goal that sent the All Whites to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
“The whole time for me was euphoric because it was my dream. I never thought I’d ever achieve it,” he says. “It was like stepping on top of Mount Everest.”
This year, New Zealand qualified for just its third World Cup, but instead of taking the field, Fallon watched from the sidelines as a fan.
Ahead of Monday morning’s (NZ time) final between Spain and defending champions Argentina, the former striker has delivered his verdict on the 2026 tournament – praising the football, but taking aim at some of the modern game’s biggest frustrations.
Topping his list are the now-familiar drinks breaks.
“I’m not enjoying these drink breaks. I just think they’re slowing the game down so much,” he says.
“They completely change the momentum. As a player and as a coach, you can feel it. When you’re on top of a team and building pressure, that break can stop everything.”
Fallon believes the stoppages are driven by commercial interests rather than player welfare.
“I think it’s 100 percent money, with all the adverts in between. It’s not about players needing a drink.”
He’s equally critical of the video assistant referee (VAR).
“I just think it’s dreadful. It stops the game and makes it so slow. I’m still enjoying the football, don’t get me wrong, but I think it would be even better with fewer stoppages. Just let the game flow.”
He’d rather referees make the calls themselves.
“They’re still getting decisions wrong with VAR, so you might as well stick with the referee’s original decision.”
Another bugbear is simulation, or what fans call diving or ‘doing a Hollywood’.
“It’s called the dark arts. Players are trying to get an advantage, trying to get opponents booked because once someone is on a yellow card it changes the way they play.”
For Fallon, the answer is simple.
“It should be an automatic booking for a dive. If referees don’t punish it, players will just keep doing it.”
Despite those frustrations, he’s loved watching the tournament’s underdogs challenge the traditional heavyweights.
“I’ve loved watching Morocco. I love their spirit. They weren’t scared.
“I loved watching Norway. Erling Haaland, he was great. He’s just a character. So you need more characters like him in the game.”
Fallon is immensely proud of the All Whites’ latest World Cup campaign, but believes qualifying through Oceania didn’t provide enough high-pressure preparation.
“I don’t think they were battle-hardened enough. Through qualifying they never really had that backs-against-the-wall feeling. Friendlies just can’t compare, so I don’t think they arrived at the World Cup truly battle-hardened.”
One player who stood out above the rest, he says, was striker Elijah Just, who netted a record three goals for New Zealand.
“Eli, for me, was outstanding. He hasn’t had it easy. He’s worked incredibly hard; he came into the tournament in great form, and you could see the confidence.
“And it was beautiful to see because you can tell he had a great season, and he takes it into that World Cup, and he just scores those goals. And he deserves that. And now he’s probably going to get a big move to maybe the Premier League.”
After an 18-year professional career in the United Kingdom, Fallon returned home and now coaches Auckland FC’s reserve side, encouraging the next generation to dream beyond New Zealand.
“I tell the lads don’t push for New Zealand, push for Europe. Because if you push for Europe and you play in Europe, you’ll always get picked for New Zealand. No matter what. If you’re the top player, and if you’re one of the top players in Europe, you’ll play for New Zealand.”
Even now, nothing compares to wearing the silver fern at football’s biggest event.
“Nothing will ever match playing for New Zealand at the World Cup. And even for these lads who have played in this tournament, nothing will ever top what they’ve achieved. It’s incredible.”
And one day, he hopes to coach New Zealand’s top football team.
“I would never say never. At the moment, I’m just focusing on my coaching at Auckland. For me, I’m very tunnel-visioned when I’m working. All I’m concentrating on is trying to get my players better in the reserves and trying to get them to make the next step to being professional.
“Would I love to one day coach New Zealand? Absolutely. But at the moment, I just need to concentrate on my club.”
As for Monday’s World Cup final, he’s backing the defending champions to do it again.
“It’s got to be Argentina. Messi, again, he’s just a little magician, isn’t he.”
Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here.
You can also stay up-to-date by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.
