Well done NZF. Had a hunch we might get an invite.
Only small negative is it will just be two games in this new expanded combined Sept-Oct window, when we could play up to 4 games.
Upside is the players get more time to rest after flying in long haul, from Europe/States. Potentially more training sessions than a typical condensed window.
If we are at close to full strength we will be a solid chance to beat Panama.
New ALM season starts weekend October 17-18th, so not too much disruption for Nix and AFC if they have some players called up, with the 2nd AWs match October 5th. Japan also not such a long flight from NZ.
New Zealand Football has announced the All Whites will travel to Japan this October to take part in the Kirin Cup 2026.
New Zealand will join Ecuador (FIFA rank 25), hosts Japan (FIFA rank 17), and Panama (FIFA rank 44) for the tournament held in Yokohama and Tokyo.
On Thursday 1 October, the All Whites will face Panama (Match 1) at Yokohama International Stadium, followed by Japan playing Ecuador (Match 2) at the same venue.
On Monday 5 October, at Tokyo’s National Stadium, the winner of Match 1 will face the winner of Match 2 for the tournament crown, while the two losing sides will meet in the third-place play-off.
Kick-off times for the tournament will be confirmed in due course.
All four teams involved in the Kirin Cup 2026 participated in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Only small negative is it will just be two games in this new expanded combined Sept-Oct window, when we could play up to 4 games.
Upside is the players get more time to rest after flying in long haul, from Europe/States. Potentially more training sessions than a typical condensed window.
If we are at close to full strength we will be a solid chance to beat Panama.
New ALM season starts weekend October 17-18th, so not too much disruption for Nix and AFC if they have some players called up, with the 2nd AWs match October 5th. Japan also not such a long flight from NZ.
New Zealand Football has announced the All Whites will travel to Japan this October to take part in the Kirin Cup 2026.
New Zealand will join Ecuador (FIFA rank 25), hosts Japan (FIFA rank 17), and Panama (FIFA rank 44) for the tournament held in Yokohama and Tokyo.
On Thursday 1 October, the All Whites will face Panama (Match 1) at Yokohama International Stadium, followed by Japan playing Ecuador (Match 2) at the same venue.
On Monday 5 October, at Tokyo’s National Stadium, the winner of Match 1 will face the winner of Match 2 for the tournament crown, while the two losing sides will meet in the third-place play-off.
Kick-off times for the tournament will be confirmed in due course.
All four teams involved in the Kirin Cup 2026 participated in the FIFA World Cup 2026.