Lautoka soccer defender Taniela Waqa is the latest player to be dropped from the national soccer squad preparing to take on the New Zealand All Whites in their opening match of the Oceania World Cup qualifying round.

Waqa injured his leg during the final training run and has been replaced by team-mate Samuela Kautoga.

Coach Carlos Buzetti has named his 15 member squad for the opening match with 7 players from Ba, 5 from Labasa and one each from Nadi, Lautoka and Rewa while three are New Zealand based players.

The players and officials are currently at the Nadi Airport and will depart for New Zealand at 8:45 this morning.

The Fiji/New Zealand match will kick off on Sunday at 3pm at the North Harbour Stadium.