One match in each country would be the most likely scenario, bringing Australia to New Zealand for the first time since 2002.
If both teams qualified for the World Cup, the fixtures would serve as send-off matches ahead of the tournament, but the nature of the trans-Tasman rivalry would give them a sense of occasion even if neither team qualified, or if one did, but the other didn’t.
Pragnell said NZ Football was close to locking in friendlies for the All Whites ahead of their playoff in June, to be played in Europe and the Middle East.
Peru is expected to be one of their opponents, with an African or Asian nation being lined up as the other. There were online reports this week about a match with Iran, but it is understood nothing is confirmed as yet.
All Whites
May 30 – June 14: Two friendlies; World Cup intercontinental playoff v Costa Rica
September 19–27: Two friendlies, likely home and away v Australia
November 20 – December 17: World Cup (if qualified)