Former Northern Kentucky University men’s soccer star Jesse Randall made history on the global stage last month. He became the first Norse player to compete in a FIFA World Cup. Representing New Zealand, Randall took the field June 15 during its Group G opening match against Iran. The contest was held in Los Angeles.
“For it to have happened the way it has, it’s been quite the journey,” Randall told Stuff, a popular New Zealand news media website. “It’s been quite a different route I’ve taken to get here, but it’s all part of it really.”
The 23-year-old Wellington native was a late substitute off the bench in his World Cup debut. He stepped into a high-pressure environment as a replacement for Sarpreet Singh. Randall briefly showcased his signature speed, helping New Zealand battle to a 2-2 draw against Iran at SoFi Stadium.
The energetic appearance sent waves of pride back to the NKU campus in Highland Heights. It was also a proud moment for Randall. “Especially for my family who have been there the whole way,” he told Stuff.
They were also celebrating 90 miles south of NKU at Midway University where Randall’s former Norse soccer coach Stu Riddle coaches the men’s team. One of Riddle’s former Midway assistants is one-time Highlands High School girls soccer coach Chris Norris, who was coaching the Bluebirds while Randall was with the Norse. The coaches have been exchanging texts. Riddle stays in touch with Randall. In fact, he was a traveler to Tampa, Florida to see Randall play in a World Cup tune-up and got to shake his hand.
“Was truly great to see him again,” said Riddle, a coach at NKU for four years. “It’s pretty amazing Jesse’s been able to do that. It is 100 percent the case that he’s the first from NKU. It’s a remarkable opportunity.”
New Zealand, in its first World Cup appearance in 16 years, lost 3-1 to Egypt and 5-1 to Belgium to wrap up play. Randall recorded significant minutes, playing a total of 60 over the course of the group stage. He entered again as a late substitute at forward, playing 14 minutes vs. Egypt. He played the entire second half against Belgium.
Randall became a member of the 26-man New Zealand squad in May. Long before his World Cup breakthrough, Randall made an unforgettable impact on the NKU men’s soccer program. Arriving for the 2021 season under Riddle, the dynamic forward took the Horizon League by storm. He led the Norse and the league in multiple offensive categories, netting 10 goals and providing five assists in 17 matches. He ranked tied for second in the league in goals scored and 20th in NCAA Division I.
It was a perfect pairing with coach Riddle who was born in England and prepped in New Zealand, where he also was a soccer standout. At age 19, Riddle was a member of the 1996 New Zealand Olympic Team. He has soccer contacts in both countries. His recruiting strategy at NKU while competing with several NCAA Division I colleges in the region was to go international. One of Riddle’s New Zealand contacts, Matt Calcott, tipped him off about Randall when the standout was a teenager.
“I trust Matt,” said Riddle, who put so much faith in his buddy that he flew to New Zealand. “When I got there, I distinctly remember in a men’s league match Jesse scoring five goals. I texted my assistant coaches who were 16 hours ahead and probably in bed and told them we might have something here.”
Within a week, Randall was with the Norse. By the end of the 2021 season, he was the Horizon League Freshman of the Year. He was also a first-team all-league pick.
“Jesse was the fittest guy on the roster that season, a year after we won the Horizon League, and he was only 17,” Riddle recalled. “He had an incredible aptitude, and he was the first to practice and last to leave. He has amazing character and he comes from a great family. Just completely loves soccer, and it shows.”
Following his single season at NKU, Randall left school and launched into a successful professional career. He returned to New Zealand to fine-tune his skills. He eventually played for Wellington Olympic before capturing an A‑League Men championship with Auckland FC.
Randall was predominantly active as a striker during his breakout domestic campaign. He logged nine goals and six assists, proving to be one of the most dangerous attackers in the region. His form caught the attention of scouts, securing him a transfer to join Dundee United FC in Scotland for this season. He signed in January 2026.
Randall’s domestic success drove a direct path to his New Zealand national team career. It culminated in the ultimate dream: a call‑up to New Zealand’s 2026 World Cup squad. His incredible journey exemplifies what can happen after an elite player leaves NKU athletic programs.
“It doesn’t just happen,” Riddle said. “Jesse has had to work very hard to get to where he is today and he has performed remarkably well. To be as young as he is, it’s just the start.”
Local fans are keeping their eyes on the rising star as his international and European club careers continue to soar. He joins Dundee United on a two-year contract, kicking off his Scottish campaign with a busy July schedule.
“To know where I was going to end up was really nice,” he said. “Obviously, you look at it and say I could have waited. But I’m super excited to be heading over to Dundee. It was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.”
Beginning July 11, Dundee United plays four consecutive Premier Sports Cup group stage matches. The club plays Stirling Albion, Montrose, Arbroath, and The Spartans. Randall makes his league debut July 31 against Scottish giants Rangers in a match broadcast live on Sky Sports.