FIFA Series matches for New Zealand
- editor59343
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The All Whites have confirmed they will play two final home games ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Aotearoa New Zealand set to host its first ever FIFA Series in March 2026.
The FIFA Series brings together four competing nations to play meaningful international fixtures against other top sides.
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The All Whites previously took part in the inaugural FIFA Series in 2024, held in Egypt, where they faced the hosts as well as Tunisia.
Due to travel and competition requirements, all matches will be played in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, but New Zealand Football are actively exploring options to bring the team back later in the year with at least one game in the South Island.
New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell was pleased to confirm the home games.
“This is massive, we know how excited people are for the FIFA World Cup 2026 already, and to have two final games at home against strong international opposition and properly see the team off is huge.
“We would have loved to play in two cities, but one of the requirements of hosting is ensuring all games are played in one location to maximise training time ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
“We have already committed to bringing the team home again after the tournament, where we are looking to play at least one game in the South Island, so fans can get used to continuing to see the team on a regular basis, as they have in 2025.
“Along with hosting the finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Oceania Qualifiers early next year, where we are all backing the Ford Football Ferns to return to the tournament, 2026 is going to be a hugely exciting year for the game and we can’t wait to see as many Kiwis supporting our sides as possible.”
The games will be played during the 23 – 31 March FIFA window with exact dates, venue information and competing teams to be announced in due course.
The matches are supported by the Government’s Events Attraction Package, designed to help enable events of this scale and merit.
