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2026 All Whites International Fixtures

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3 months ago · edited 3 months ago · History

Both warmups to played in front of crowds ie not closed doors. Haiti game at the same stadium played Colombia last November.

Maybe the strongest 11 play about 60-70 mins in each of the warmups, then rotate. Is going to be hotter conditions in the open air Florida stadiums (maybe much hotter) than actual WC games in LA and Vancouver.

Baze talks.

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3 months ago

Some interesting calls to come regarding three or four spots.

LB - Old looked good and Cacace has barely played all year.
LW - Randell offers our most direct attacking threat, but he is competing with Old, Just and Singh potentially
AM - Singh, or Just, or Thomas/Stamenic if we want the triangle with Bell.
RW - Singh, Just, or McCowatt

And I can see GK coming down to opposition. If we expect more ball, Paulsen to help with possession. If less, Crocombe. We should be able to swap out keepers tactically like we do outfield players.

Personally, I would like

Paulsen
Payne Surman Boxall Old
Stam Ball
Just Thomas Randell
Wood

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3 months ago

Good report on the TV One 6 pm news on Monday night with Baze very open about his selection processes.
Rare to see a national coach displaying his white board with all players in line for selection for each position.
Really interesting to see all the players in line on the board in this video.
Report starts at about 31 minutes:
1News at Six

Big Pete 65, Christchurch

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about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History

4 game window in October an interesting development. Wonder if that is to help accommodate all those Nations League setups that exist now?

Instead of playing knockout football at the World Cup, the All Whites are next set to be in action away in September and October, where there is set to be a new 16-day, four-match window as part of changes to the international match calendar following the World Cup.

Whether the All Whites play all four matches they are allowed to remains to be seen. It is understood a high-profile friendly against Brazil in Australia had been one option on the table, but now looks unlikely – a prospect Pragnell would not comment on.

He did confirm home fixtures for the year’s final window in November were locked in and close to being announced. It is understood a lesser Asian nation has been lined up, with at least one of the matches to be played at Christchurch’s new One New Zealand Stadium – the first All Whites match in the city since 2012.

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about 1 month ago

hopefully the home matches are shared around the country over the next four years, not just stuck in Auckland.

Queenslander 3x a year.

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29 days ago · edited 29 days ago · History

To clarify the September-October windows are now basically merged into one longer 3 week window, when nations can play up to 4 games.

This year dates are 21st September – 6th October 2026.

Good and bad for the A League I guess. Don't have 2 different windows interrupting late pre season, though could potentially lose players for a solid 3 weeks block.

ALM is scheduled to start October 16th.

As the AWs will highly likely just be playing friendlies, Baze may do the Nix and AFC a favour by not calling up any A League guys, or only having them for 1-2 weeks of that 3 week bloc.

https://twitter.com/TheAthleticFC/status/1975228304077508878https://twitter.com/TheAthleticFC/status/1975228304077508878

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29 days ago

I wonder if we can jump in on one of those four team mini tourneys for the Sep/Oct window. At least with the extended window there'd be a a bit of jeapody with the room for an actual final.

Also any educatdd guesses who the didnt qualify for the WC Asian team coming to play at Te Kaha might be. We have a recent history with China but it would be cool to play someone new that also might draw a good away fan support Indonesia, Vietnam?

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29 days ago

Indonesia maybe not a bad educated guess. They have John Herdman in charge now, and he obviously has connections to NZ.

The Indonesians have drawn 2 WC participants (Japan & Qatar) in their Asian Cup pool next January, so are likely looking for some tough matches later this year.

Sounds like the Te Kaha game will be in the November window, as maybe one of two matches in NZ.

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29 days ago

coochiee wrote:
Indonesia maybe not a bad educated guess. They have John Herdman in charge now, and he obviously has connections to NZ.

The Indonesians have drawn 2 WC participants (Japan & Qatar) in their Asian Cup pool next January, so are likely looking for some tough matches later this year.

Sounds like the Te Kaha game will be in the November window, as maybe one of two matches in NZ.

Good. Hopefully a few changes. Rip into it, Lachlan Bayliss, Luke Brooke Smith generous minutes for 1 game then back to A League.

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28 days ago

I can’t see it happening, but imagine if Brazil stopped over on their way to Australia in September?

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27 days ago

Rock Hopper wrote:
I wonder if we can jump in on one of those four team mini tourneys for the Sep/Oct window. At least with the extended window there'd be a a bit of jeapody with the room for an actual final.

Also any educatdd guesses who the didnt qualify for the WC Asian team coming to play at Te Kaha might be. We have a recent history with China but it would be cool to play someone new that also might draw a good away fan support Indonesia, Vietnam?

Yes, plenty of chatter down here in Christchurch that both the All Whites and Football Ferns will be gracing Te Kaha before the year is out.

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27 days ago

Simon B wrote:
I can’t see it happening, but imagine if Brazil stopped over on their way to Australia in September?

I think the yarn was we were going to go over to Aus to try and tag in on Brazil's down under jaunt but for whatever reason the kaibosh got put on that and Brazil look like they are doing two games against the Socceroos instead.

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27 days ago

Well that Sept-Oct window is now 3 weeks long and teams can play up to 4 games. Hopefully a NZ v Brazil fixture, if in Aussie is not dead in the water just yet

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27 days ago

Socceroos v Brazil, two matches in late September, confirmed.
As is common now in Aussie, a State Govt (QLD) seems to be bankrolling the hosting costs.

https://footballaustralia.com.au/news/commbank-socceroos-face-five-time-world-champions-brazil

The CommBank Socceroos have secured landmark home international fixtures in September against five-time FIFA World Cup™ winners Brazil, thanks to the support of the Queensland Government and Tourism and Events Queensland.

Tony Popovic’s side will take on Brazil in two matches: at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville (Friday, 25 September) and Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (Tuesday, 29 September).

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27 days ago

coochiee wrote:
Well that Sept-Oct window is now 3 weeks long and teams can play up to 4 games. Hopefully a NZ v Brazil fixture, if in Aussie is not dead in the water just yet

From Andrew Voerman's article on Monday: 'Whether the All Whites play all four matches they are allowed to remains to be seen. It is understood a high-profile friendly against Brazil in Australia had been one option on the table, but now looks unlikely – a prospect Pragnell would not comment on.'

So it's not looking likely at the moment unfortunately

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22 days ago

I see Japan are rebooting their Kirin Cup for the upcoming merged Sep/Oct window. Unfortunately still more in the glorified friendlies camp but with UEFA Nations League, Africa Cup of Nations, Gulf Cup, and the new AESEAN cup, already running that window available teams will be limited. There's possibly a good chance we're one of the as yet unannounced teams that may be heading over to Japan to compete in that.

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18 days ago

Two match series against India (Ranked 138th) in Auckland and Christchurch on the 12th November and 15th November respectively.

https://www.nzfootball.co.nz/newsarticle/167857?newsfeedId=2477010

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18 days ago

Castar wrote:
Two match series against India (Ranked 138th) in Auckland and Christchurch on the 12th November and 15th November respectively.

https://www.nzfootball.co.nz/newsarticle/167857?newsfeedId=2477010

Good that Canterbury will get a long awaited All Whites return. & this could allow an All Whites win or 2 to rebuild morale after a difficult World Cup. Bring it on!

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18 days ago

Just frustrating that again Wellington misses out

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18 days ago

The cherry on top with the free trade agreement announcement. I believe these games will be at the same time the Indian cricket team is also touring NZ. Could be some good cross code marketing oppurtunities.

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18 days ago · edited 18 days ago · History

The cherry on top - seriously?

Sure in terms of crowds it probably will attract a few thousand Indians getting merry on the beers and therefore will be marketed as a success.

From a football viewpoint however this is preety meh.

And realistically how many players are going to leave their European clubs, fly around the world to play the 138th team?

It’s just going to be an A league team and absolutely nothing will be learned.

We play enough games against Oceania opponents well below our ranking. We shouldn’t be playing friendlies against teams 50 odd places below.

Auckland will rise once more

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18 days ago

AucklandPhoenix wrote:
The cherry on top - seriously?

Sure in terms of crowds it probably will attract a few thousand Indians getting merry on the beers and therefore will be marketed as a success.

From a football viewpoint however this is preety meh.

And realistically how many players are going to leave their European clubs, fly around the world to play the 138th team?

It’s just going to be an A league team and absolutely nothing will be learned.

We play enough games against Oceania opponents well below our ranking. We shouldn’t be playing friendlies against teams 50 odd places below.

The All Whites have struggled for results recently, very few wins. Must get a team they can win against to rebuild confidence. Then try to get higher ranked teams in the next FIFA Series.

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18 days ago · edited 18 days ago · History

Just my opinion but I don’t think they need to rebuild confidence by playing such a badly ranked team, they did ok against higher ranked teams and that’s where we should be aiming, top 60-40 teams get some wins increase our rankings, rinse and repeat.
And I agree with AP and again just my speculation that it will be more an ALM line up, will get some of our established players but not all of them, could get some good minutes for Hugh’s and LBS which would be nice, but I’m personally not shelling out to go to Chch for it, and refuse to go see them in Auckland….. but that’s just me, don’t expect others to feel the same. So although I was initially pissed Wellington got looked over I’d rather a better team played in Wellington

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18 days ago

Was pretty underwhelmed when I saw who the opposition was, but I haven't had a chance here in Christchurch to go to Te Kaha yet, so I'll definitely be going to the second game.

Just got to hope we can get some decent opposition prior in the Sept-October window.

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18 days ago · edited 18 days ago · History

AucklandPhoenix wrote:
The cherry on top - seriously?

Sure in terms of crowds it probably will attract a few thousand Indians getting merry on the beers and therefore will be marketed as a success.

From a football viewpoint however this is preety meh.

And realistically how many players are going to leave their European clubs, fly around the world to play the 138th team?

It’s just going to be an A league team and absolutely nothing will be learned.

We play enough games against Oceania opponents well below our ranking. We shouldn’t be playing friendlies against teams 50 odd places below.

I'm sure we've been on the receiving end of "what, why we are playing the 138th ranked team in the world?!" Conversations before. If we really are that much better than these sort of opponents then let's go out and prove it. Pump them 5 nil across both games. I highly doubt we will.

One of our rare appearances in the mid 2010's when the high performance programme for the mens was a near non-existant was a fifa series-esque tounrmanet with India. It was where a lot of the current crop got their debuts in the jersey. If memory serves we did manage to battle our way to a 2-1 victory over India but we made less of a stellar account in the other fixtures. We've just come off a severe reality check of where we're at compared to the higher ranked teams after a disappointing world cup campain. I think it'll be a great comparison for our boys to go up against India again now that their careers have developed further and see how much improvement there's been and hopefully a chance to get their mojo back. Not to mention a celebration of the first football game at the new stadium in the south island and hopefully a good mix of both home team and away team support. NZF made a promise to the fans theyd bring the all whites home as much as they could each year, and as far as I can see this is them continuing to fulfill that promise. We're looking at four home games in 2026 which is unprecedented in non OFC qualifying years.

We also have made noises about wanting a seat at more meaningful tournaments. We've hosted Malaysia recently and now these India fixtures. It all helps with building those relationships with other governing bodies to maybe ask the question about having a shot at the next ASEAN Cup or even AFC cup.

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18 days ago

I think some people should remember the All Whites are ranked well below many teams in the World Cup for reasons. We haven't earned the right to gatekeep what teams the All Whites play beyond OFC, far from it, maybe closer to 2030. A lot of basics to improve on goalkeeping, defending next few trainings and games after being destroyed by Egypt and Belgium. I'm pleased they get India this year. Higher ranked opponents, that can wait until next FIFA Series.

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18 days ago

Disagree. Any team ranked 150 and below is worth playing. But the worth depends on who the coach decides to play. It's a great if you looking to introduce new players into the 4 year cycle.

And if you do that winning/losing will not be the point, it's development. You got to start somewhere people. Have a look at the players in the squad 4/5 years ago again India. They looked so young. Lol

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18 days ago

Not the most flashy match but nice to return to Christchurch after 13 years. Looks to be part of a bigger set of sporting events between the us and India.

Good chance to get young players into the squad (LBS) and starting (Paulsen & Bindon).

Just as importantly, I think NZF are hoping it can attract a big crowd, with the goal of showing the A-League they can attract good crowds (and atmosphere) in Christchurch.

But I can't deny it feels underwhelming in terms of quality though

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duPKYe

18 days ago · edited 18 days ago · History

India is very meh, but it will yes be a heavy ALM AWs selection with an eye towards 2030. Fair enough it’s the start of a new WC cycle and the time to experiment and develop new players.

Playing at shiny new Te Kaha will at least bring some interest and excitement. Plus a chance yes to look at some of LBS, Hughes, Bayliss, Gillion, Sheridan, Piper, LKH, Gibson at international level. Maybe even someone like Moses Dyer

Even the Socceroos have to play the likes of India, Bangladesh etc through the first phase of AFC WC qualifying

Hopefully the 4 game Sept-Oct window brings some tougher games

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PKYe

18 days ago

coochiee wrote:
India is very meh, but it will yes be a heavy ALM AWs selection with an eye towards 2030. Fair enough it’s the start of a new WC cycle and the time to experiment and develop new players.

Playing at shiny new Te Kaha will at least bring some interest and excitement. Plus a chance yes to look at some of LBS, Hughes, Bayliss, Gillion, Sheridan, Piper, LKH, Gibson at international level

Even the Socceroos have to play the likes of India, Bangladesh etc through the first phase of AFC WC qualifying

Hopefully the 4 game Sept-Oct window brings some tougher games

Yes, true about Australia World Cup qualifying. & yes those other All Whites call ups, got to give caps to people that will replace Michael Boxall, Kosta, etc.

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18 days ago · edited 18 days ago · History

You cannot pick a player like Moses Dyer. Remember anyone 28yo and above have reached there football prime even limit. What you see is what you get and in four years time that player is 32 years old. That is not the age profile you looking for in the AW.

You hoping to give a young Woodsy a go at this level who is able to use the call-up on their CV to attract a European/MLS club.

Correction: obviously the coach is going to select some 1st team AW players based in the the ALM for guidance.

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18 days ago · edited 15 days ago · History

DP.

Supporter of the world's best football teams: Waikato..., Kingz FC, NZ Knights, The Nix, The Argyle & of course the All Whites

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17 days ago · edited 15 days ago · History

Pretty underwhelmed with two games against a side Fiji, New Caledonia and Tahiti would probably beat. The only reason India isn't lower then them is they play more competitive games then Oceania sides do.

The first AW game in CHCs new stadium deserves a better opponent then this shite.

I went to the AW game in Mumbai in 2017. We won that with a poor team in stinking hot humid conditions worse then anything we played in North America recently. That pitch in Mumbai was was also terrible.

If we don't win these games by at least 5 goals with a side made of NZ based players, something is seriously wrong with the AWs.

Supporter of the world's best football teams: Waikato..., Kingz FC, NZ Knights, The Nix, The Argyle & of course the All Whites

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17 days ago

Looked at that starting team. It wasn’t flash and some of those names!

Brotherton
N Boxall
Gulley
J Ingham
Bevan

Auckland will rise once more

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17 days ago · edited 17 days ago · History

That tourney was 9 years ago. The ISL has seen India improve

A pretty strong Socceroos only beat an Indian low block 2-0 at the last Asian Cup (2024)

The AWs should yes win but demanding a 5-0 result is BS, especially if it is a below strength All Whites

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17 days ago

coochiee wrote:
That tourney was 9 years ago. The ISL has seen India improve a bit

A pretty strong Socceroos only beat an Indian low block 2-0 at the last Asian Cup (2024)

The AWs should yes win but demanding a 5-0 result is BS, especially if it is a below strength All Whites

Agreed, but if we draw or lose 1 of the 2. Baze should go as it seems like he's staying on given his quotes.

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16 days ago · edited 16 days ago · History

Saffa wrote:
You cannot pick a player like Moses Dyer. Remember anyone 28yo and above have reached there football prime even limit. What you see is what you get and in four years time that player is 32 years old. That is not the age profile you looking for in the AW.

You hoping to give a young Woodsy a go at this level who is able to use the call-up on their CV to attract a European/MLS club.

Correction: obviously the coach is going to select some 1st team AW players based in the the ALM for guidance.

But in a world where Barba has retired and Wood is unavailable (which you'd think is a strong possibility for these India matches), Dyer comes into consideration.

Is Waine say really that much better than Moses? Would Waineo have gone to the LOI and scored 10 goals in 20 games, incl some proper worldies? Not so sure. Ben is highly likely a better all rounded player than Moses, but some stuff like vertical leap and the ability to whack in a header Dyer (and Piper) are stronger. Coincidentally Moses's only AWs goal was against India in 2018.

All I'm saying is giving the absolute dearth of real striker options behind the Woodsman, Dyer is in the conversation. As will be Piper, Gibson and maybe all of a sudden young Perniskie (yes very very early days). The time to experiment and have a look at all options starts from September.

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16 days ago · edited 16 days ago · History

AucklandPhoenix wrote:

Looked at that starting team. It wasn’t flash and some of those names!

Brotherton
N Boxall
Gulley
J Ingham
Bevan

Also playing for the AWs at this 2018 India tourney were

Adam Mitchell
Thomas Doyle
Dane Ingham
Te Atawhai Hudson Wihongi

Matt Ridenton
Henry Cameron
Moses Dyer
Noah Billingsley

Those on standby included
Cameron Brown
Jack Henry Sinclair
Monty Patterson
Jake Porter

Then Des's U20s had their great WC 12 months later, bringing in a large group of new talent and most of the above never got close to the AWs again. The lost Covid years also a factor.

The here today, gone tomorrow Fritz Schmid being head coach. Des was an assistant and Seamus Marten was the manager

https://www.oceaniafootball.com/all-whites-squad-named-for-intercontinental-cup/

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16 days ago

I'll say it again - hemisphere squads...

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16 days ago · edited 16 days ago · History

If there is ever a time to do it, it's playing 138th ranked India twice in NZ in November.
A month after 2-4 AWs games (4 game Sept-Oct window) likely in the Northern Hemisphere.

Plus calling up the ALM guys in Sept-Oct is always awkward given the ALM starts mid Oct.

So early in the 2030 cycle that's the time to spead the net wide, and have a look at as many players as possible.

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