All Whites to face Colombia, Ecuador
- Dave Worsley
- Sep 11
- 2 min read
The All Whites have confirmed their final two opponents for 2025, taking on South American sides Colombia (FIFA ranked 14) and Ecuador (ranked 25) this November in the United States.
First up, the team will face Colombia on 16 November NZT (15 November local time), in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at Chase Stadium, home of MLS side Inter Miami.
LATEST HEADLINES:
Three days later they will take on Ecuador on 19 November NZT (18 November local time) at Sports Illustrated Stadium, home of New York Red Bulls, in Harrison, New Jersey.
Both opponents are in good form with Colombia defeating Venezuela 6-3, and Ecuador claiming a shock 1-0 win over world champions Argentina, this month in FIFA World Cup qualifying.
The games continue the All Whites strategy of facing top 40 ranked sides to prepare the team for what they may face at the FIFA World Cup 26, and follow matches against Poland (FIFA rank 37) and Norway (FIFA rank 33) in October.
“These are two really top level opponents to end a big 2025 for the team, but these are the challenges we need so we can be ready for the FIFA World Cup next year” says head coach Darren Bazeley.
“Before the World Cup we want to know we have faced a range of opponents and styles, so playing two big South American sides, after two strong European teams in October, is great preparation.
“We had a good breakthrough with the win over Côte d'Ivoire in June, and then put in strong performances, especially in the first game, against Australia this month, even though we didn’t get the result, so our remaining four games will again test us but that is what we want.
“After games in Canada in June, two matches in the USA again gives us the opportunity to get used to playing in a host country which could be really beneficial come next year.
“It’s going to be an exciting end to the year and with the FIFA World Cup 26 draw on 6 December, the momentum is really building.”
Both games will be available live and free on FIFA+ as well as TVNZ, home of the FIFA World Cup 26 in Aotearoa New Zealand.
