All Whites Set to Finish 2025 Playing Five Teams Ranked in World’s Top 40

Six high-profile fixtures in the space of 11 weeks should have New Zealand primed for their FIFA World Cup return in 2026. The All Whites are set to finish 2025 with six matches against five teams ranked inside the world’s top 40. Australia and Norway are already confirmed, while matches against Poland, Colombia, and Ecuador are set to take place in the coming months.

A Tough Road Ahead

With just over a year to go until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the All Whites are stepping up their preparation. The team will face some of the strongest teams in the world, providing them with valuable experience and exposure.

The matches are scheduled as follows:

• September 2: vs Australia (Canberra)
• September 6: vs Australia (Auckland)
• October 10–12: vs Poland (location to be confirmed)
• October 15: vs Norway (Oslo)
• November 16: vs Colombia (Miami)
• November 19: vs Ecuador (New Jersey)

Coach Darren Bazeley on the Experience

Coach Darren Bazeley has expressed his belief that the team will benefit greatly from these encounters. He noted that the experience of playing against higher-ranked teams like Ivory Coast and Ukraine has already led to significant improvements within the squad.

"We’ve seen massive improvements in the team, and these upcoming matches will only continue that growth," Bazeley said.

Qualifying for the World Cup

The All Whites secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a win over New Caledonia in the Oceania final in March. This victory marks a major milestone for the team, and the upcoming matches are crucial in ensuring they are ready to compete on the world stage.

Looking Ahead

With the World Cup in just over a year, the All Whites are focused on building team cohesion, improving individual performances, and gaining valuable experience against tough opponents. These matches will serve as a litmus test for the team’s readiness and will help shape their strategy moving forward.

As the team continues its journey toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup, fans and supporters are eager to see how the All Whites will perform in these high-stakes matches.