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Football Ferns

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about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History
Tourney in Honiara.

First game on Friday against Samoa, and likely the toughest group match.

https://theniche-cache.com/football/2026/2/6/football-ferns-in-world-cup-qualifying-phase-one-squad-yarns-amp-preview

The Ford Football Ferns will begin their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifying journey, as part of Group A at the Oceania Qualifiers, on
27 February (KO 3pm NZT) against Samoa,
before facing hosts Solomon Islands on 2 March (KO 7pm NZT),
and American Samoa on 5 March (KO 3pm NZT). 

Ford Football Ferns head coach Michael Mayne has named his squad to start Aotearoa New Zealand’s FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifying journey this month in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

The 23-player squad features two new faces to kick off the new cycle for the team.

Fresh from scoring Wellington Phoenix’s first hattrick in the A-League Women, Pia Vlok is called up to the Ferns after captaining New Zealand at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2025.

After a breakout season with Newcastle Jets, where she has scored three goals in eight games from midfield, Charlotte Lancaster is also named in her debut squad.

Goalkeeper Maddie Iro is also selected as part of the initial squad for the first time after joining as an injury replacement for October’s games in Mexico and the USA.  

The full squad is:

Liz Anton (25 caps/0 goals) Canberra United, Australia
Mackenzie Barry (22/1) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Hannah Blake (8/0) Durham FC, England
Kelli Brown (9/0) Newcastle Jets, Australia
Claudia Bunge (38/0) Melbourne Victory, Australia
Milly Clegg (20/2) Vittsjö GIK, Sweden
Manaia Elliott (5/0) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Victoria Esson (31/0) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Michaela Foster (30/1) Durham FC, England
Maya Hahn (8/1) FC Viktoria Berlin, Germany
Maddie Iro (0/0) Hills United, Australia
Deven Jackson (7/0) Melbourne City, Australia
Grace Jale (35/8) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Katie Kitching (23/6) Sunderland AFC, England
Charlotte Lancaster (debut) Newcastle Jets, Australia
Meikayla Moore (75/4) Calgary Wild, Canada
Emma Pijnenburg (8/0) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Indiah-Paige Riley (34/3) Crystal Palace, England
Alina Santos (1/0) University of Denver, USA
Rebekah Stott (108/4) Melbourne City, Australia
Pia Vlok (debut) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Lara Wall (2/0) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Grace Wisnewski (5/0) FC Nordsjælland, Denmark
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about 1 month ago
So the Ferns start 2027 WC qualifying tomorrow against Samoa. Though you could be excused for not knowing. Zero media coverage.

Will be toasty warm 3pm in Honiara against the Samoans, who with a few USA born players might be the toughest pool opponent.



https://www.nzfootball.co.nz/newsarticle/162938?newsfeedId=1275608

The Ford Football Ferns take their first step towards qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup tomorrow at 3pm NZT against Samoa in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Aotearoa New Zealand kicks off proceedings in OFC’s Group A, where they’ll also play hosts Solomon Islands on 2 March (KO 7pm NZT), and American Samoa on 5 March (KO 3pm NZT).

All games will be played at the National Stadium in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Ford Football Ferns coach Michael Mayne says the team is acclimatising quickly to life in Honiara.

“The first couple of days have been really good. The facilities and everything here are looking great for the way we want to play and I think probably the difference at the moment is I'm really lucky to have a squad that's based all around the world in different clubs, different environments, playing different levels.

“To be able to sort of draw some of that experience into the team but also have some really exciting players coming into our squad for this one is a real positive, I think, for the team.

“It's been tricky. It is a little bit different getting all the players in. I was having a bit of a laugh yesterday at lunch that it was a matchday minus two and I had no players in the hotel yet. So, it's going to be a quick turnaround. But, what we can leverage in the team is we've got players in a lot of good leagues and good clubs around the world wanting to come here and do a good job.”

Michael Mayne says despite Aotearoa New Zealand’s traditional dominance in OFC tournaments his players won’t be taking this qualifying campaign lightly, praising the ever-improving level of football within Oceania.

“I think we spoke about it as a team last night in our opening meeting, we know what's at the end of this series. I think it's good that we still feel pressure coming into these games. That's the way it should be.

“I know these other three coaches and the other three teams are going to be all chasing the same dream. I think in terms of the women's game in the Pacific, I mentioned this at the Olympic qualifiers. I've been around the age group. I've been to a number of these tournaments. I can see the gap closing.

“Probably what you've got sitting up at this table is probably a different profile in coaches across the teams. I know every single one of these teams that we play over the next 10 days will be well set up, well organised. There's some good football brains on this table. That's exciting for us, and we're used to tough challenges. We've got a way we want to come into this tournament and perform. Again, there's no point worrying about the final or anything. We've got to get through the next week first. That's a good place to be, I think, mentally for the group.”

The Ford Football Ferns coach says he was last in Honiara 22 years ago as a player and that the facilities in the Solomon Islands have come a long way.

“I'm really impressed with the facilities here and the way we've been looked after in the Solomon Islands. You've done an excellent job of setting things up.

“We're a team that have, like I said, players all around the world that have access to some amazing facilities. To come here and see the facility you've got here will be, for our players, I think they'll be extremely happy with what they see come Friday. I think it allows us to come in and play the way we want to play very quickly.

“There's nothing but praise for everything you've put on here and, yeah, it's a beautiful, beautiful facility and the people in the country have been great so far.”

Those words echoed by Ford Football Ferns midfielder Katie Kitching who has travelled from Sunderland, where she plays in England’s Super League 2.

“It's a beautiful country, hot weather, which I'm getting used to… I’m really grateful to be here, and the facilities are great and I can't wait to get started and get the games going.

“We had our first opening meeting last night, and the vibes were really good. Everyone's really excited to get going. It feels like a fresh us, new year, ready to get going.”

Following this second round qualification phase, the top two sides in Group A will then take on the top two from Group B, played in Fiji, in the Semi-Final and Final of the Oceania Qualifiers, played in Aotearoa New Zealand, to secure a place in Brazil for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.

The two Semi-Finals will be played in Kirikiriroa Hamilton on Sunday 12 April, kicking off at 12pm and 4pm, at FMG Stadium Waikato.

The Final will be played in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on Wednesday 15 April, kicking off at 7pm, at North Harbour Stadium.

The Ford Football Ferns 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification matches will be available live and free on FIFA+.
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Endorsed by
brSimon B
about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History
Samoa head coach Paul Ifill, Press conference and training sessions ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2027, OFC Qualifiers, National Stadium, Honiara. Photo: Joshua Devenie / www.phototek.nz

Samoa head coach Paul Ifill returns to familiar surroundings, having previously coached in the region during the Pacific Games.

“Firstly, thank you for having me. It’s great to be back,” said Ifill. “It’s a bit fresh for us. A lot of the squad has changed.”

Like American Samoa, Samoa have looked globally to strengthen their squad.

“We’ve scoured the world for new players. Logistically, that’s been pretty difficult as well. Our squad is not actually all here yet.”

Despite those challenges, Ifill has been encouraged by the spirit within the group following preparations in Auckland.

“There seems to be really good camaraderie with the group. Firstly, making sure they want to be here to represent their country and have fun whilst doing it.”

Drawn in a challenging group that includes hosts New Zealand and an improving American Samoa, Ifill expects his side to compete.

“I don’t think we’re just here to make up the numbers. I think we’re going to be pretty competitive. I expect us to cause a few surprises.”

He also pointed to the influence of youth development pathways, crediting the work done in recent years to inspire the next generation.

“In four years’ time when those girls are 16 to 20, I think that’s going to make a massive difference. But certainly in this tournament, we can cause a few surprises.”
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about 1 month ago
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about 1 month ago

FIFA Women’s World Cup Oceania qualifiers

Group A

New Zealand v Samoa
National Stadium, Honiara, 3pm (NZT)

Solomon Islands v American Samoa
National Stadium, Honiara, 7pm (NZT)

Group B

Papua New Guinea v Vanuatu
Govind Park, Ba, Fiji, 1pm (NZT)

Fiji v New Caledonia
Govind Park, Ba, Fiji, 5pm (NZT)

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about 1 month ago
Annoyed I can't watch the full game today but thank you for mentioning this! I will be honest I didn't know it was happening
coochiee
So the Ferns start 2027 WC qualifying tomorrow against Samoa. Though you could be excused for not knowing. Zero media coverage.

Will be toasty warm 3pm in Honiara against the Samoans, who with a few USA born players might be the toughest pool opponent.



https://www.nzfootball.co.nz/newsarticle/162938?newsfeedId=1275608

The Ford Football Ferns take their first step towards qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup tomorrow at 3pm NZT against Samoa in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Aotearoa New Zealand kicks off proceedings in OFC’s Group A, where they’ll also play hosts Solomon Islands on 2 March (KO 7pm NZT), and American Samoa on 5 March (KO 3pm NZT).

All games will be played at the National Stadium in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Ford Football Ferns coach Michael Mayne says the team is acclimatising quickly to life in Honiara.

“The first couple of days have been really good. The facilities and everything here are looking great for the way we want to play and I think probably the difference at the moment is I'm really lucky to have a squad that's based all around the world in different clubs, different environments, playing different levels.

“To be able to sort of draw some of that experience into the team but also have some really exciting players coming into our squad for this one is a real positive, I think, for the team.

“It's been tricky. It is a little bit different getting all the players in. I was having a bit of a laugh yesterday at lunch that it was a matchday minus two and I had no players in the hotel yet. So, it's going to be a quick turnaround. But, what we can leverage in the team is we've got players in a lot of good leagues and good clubs around the world wanting to come here and do a good job.”

Michael Mayne says despite Aotearoa New Zealand’s traditional dominance in OFC tournaments his players won’t be taking this qualifying campaign lightly, praising the ever-improving level of football within Oceania.

“I think we spoke about it as a team last night in our opening meeting, we know what's at the end of this series. I think it's good that we still feel pressure coming into these games. That's the way it should be.

“I know these other three coaches and the other three teams are going to be all chasing the same dream. I think in terms of the women's game in the Pacific, I mentioned this at the Olympic qualifiers. I've been around the age group. I've been to a number of these tournaments. I can see the gap closing.

“Probably what you've got sitting up at this table is probably a different profile in coaches across the teams. I know every single one of these teams that we play over the next 10 days will be well set up, well organised. There's some good football brains on this table. That's exciting for us, and we're used to tough challenges. We've got a way we want to come into this tournament and perform. Again, there's no point worrying about the final or anything. We've got to get through the next week first. That's a good place to be, I think, mentally for the group.”

The Ford Football Ferns coach says he was last in Honiara 22 years ago as a player and that the facilities in the Solomon Islands have come a long way.

“I'm really impressed with the facilities here and the way we've been looked after in the Solomon Islands. You've done an excellent job of setting things up.

“We're a team that have, like I said, players all around the world that have access to some amazing facilities. To come here and see the facility you've got here will be, for our players, I think they'll be extremely happy with what they see come Friday. I think it allows us to come in and play the way we want to play very quickly.

“There's nothing but praise for everything you've put on here and, yeah, it's a beautiful, beautiful facility and the people in the country have been great so far.”

Those words echoed by Ford Football Ferns midfielder Katie Kitching who has travelled from Sunderland, where she plays in England’s Super League 2.

“It's a beautiful country, hot weather, which I'm getting used to… I’m really grateful to be here, and the facilities are great and I can't wait to get started and get the games going.

“We had our first opening meeting last night, and the vibes were really good. Everyone's really excited to get going. It feels like a fresh us, new year, ready to get going.”

Following this second round qualification phase, the top two sides in Group A will then take on the top two from Group B, played in Fiji, in the Semi-Final and Final of the Oceania Qualifiers, played in Aotearoa New Zealand, to secure a place in Brazil for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.

The two Semi-Finals will be played in Kirikiriroa Hamilton on Sunday 12 April, kicking off at 12pm and 4pm, at FMG Stadium Waikato.

The Final will be played in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on Wednesday 15 April, kicking off at 7pm, at North Harbour Stadium.

The Ford Football Ferns 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification matches will be available live and free on FIFA+.
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about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History
I can tell you that as a comparison the Asian Women's Cup is about to start here in Aussie, and there is lots of coverage.

Matildas play Philippines in Perth tomorrow, at 60,000 seater Optus Stadium. They are apparently giving away tickets to kids, so won't be a sell out, but still a big crowd expected.
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about 1 month ago
Where can we watch the game? Sky? Tvnz/FIFA+?
I have an amazing ability to find my way out of mazes. I'm pathological. 
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about 1 month ago
coochiee

FIFA Women’s World Cup Oceania qualifiers

Group A

New Zealand v Samoa
National Stadium, Honiara, 3pm (NZT)

Solomon Islands v American Samoa
National Stadium, Honiara, 7pm (NZT)

Group B

Papua New Guinea v Vanuatu
Govind Park, Ba, Fiji, 1pm (NZT)

Fiji v New Caledonia
Govind Park, Ba, Fiji, 5pm (NZT)

Queenslander 3x a year.

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Endorsed by
kwlap
about 1 month ago
coochiee
I can tell you that as a comparison the Asian Women's Cup is about to start here in Aussie, and there is lots of coverage.

Matildas play Philippines in Perth tomorrow, at 60,000 seater Optus Stadium. They are apparently giving away tickets to kids, so won't be a sell out, but still a big crowd expected.
These matches are going to be a cakewalk for NZ, and they aren't hosted here either.

Probably more coverage for the semis and final in NZ.
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about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History
I just hope none of our Phoenix girls in particular come home injured.  
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Endorsed by
brkwlapLT01Ra+1
about 1 month ago


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about 1 month ago
I just turn it on 2 mins in (2 mins late) and NZ already have a goal? 
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about 1 month ago
This commentator calling Jale Jail
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about 1 month ago
Kelly Brown scored before the first minute
brookem
I just turn it on 2 mins in (2 mins late) and NZ already have a goal? 
 
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Endorsed by
br
about 1 month ago
34 seconds in. The Samoan keeper needs to practice her vertical leap.
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Endorsed by
br
about 1 month ago
Kelly Brown again.   Could get a hattrick here. 
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about 1 month ago
Good early start for the Ferns with a 2-0 lead.
Goals to Kelli Brown in the 1st and 14th minutes.
Early water break after 15 minutes.
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about 1 month ago
Wish we had this stadium in Wellington.  Looks so nice
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about 1 month ago
if you want a running track between the stand and the field we could play at Newtown Park.

Queenslander 3x a year.

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about 1 month ago
A hattrick for Brown.
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Endorsed by
theprof
about 1 month ago
just too easy.

Queenslander 3x a year.

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about 1 month ago
After I typed that out I saw the wide shot and remembered the running track. I like the stadium seating area itself. 
theprof
if you want a running track between the stand and the field we could play at Newtown Park.
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about 1 month ago
Procrastinixing
Wish we had this stadium in Wellington.  Looks so nice

Just invite the CCP in to run the WCC.
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Endorsed by
theprof
about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History
8-0 at HT. The only thing that will stop the Ferns getting 20 is their energy levels flagging in the heat.

I know these WWC qualifiers have to be played at some stage, but a pity NZF couldn't score an invite for the Ferns to the Women's Asian Cup being held in Aussie. The Copa America has invitational teams from outside the Americas.

The Ferns would be in the top 6-8 teams in AFC, and the matches would be worth watching.

Pragnell may proudly announce the Ferns as playing WWC qualifiers at home in April. But really if both the semi & final are 10 goals blowouts, is that doing the FFs brand much use.
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about 1 month ago
3-0 right, I know the 3 looks like an 8, but Kelli is the only one that has scored

Queenslander 3x a year.

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Endorsed by
coochieeLT01
about 1 month ago
Not the best font choice lol.  
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Endorsed by
coochieeLT01
about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History
LOL. Whoops I just caught the first & last 5 mins of the half, and have the sound on mute.
I need glasses obviously!  
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about 1 month ago
Kitching makes it 4 nil
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Endorsed by
theprof
about 1 month ago
coochiee
LOL. Whoops I just caught the first & last 5 mins of the half, and have the sound on mute.
I need glasses obviously!  
I turned the game on at HT and thought the same, so you're not the only one! Will probably end up being a similar scoreline though.
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Endorsed by
coochieeLT01
about 1 month ago
Procrastinixing
Kitching makes it 4 nil

easier to read now.

Queenslander 3x a year.

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Endorsed by
coochieeLT01
about 1 month ago
Iffy is the Samoa coach? That's pretty random.
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about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History
has been since feb 2021
6-0

Queenslander 3x a year.

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about 1 month ago
make that 7-0, jesus the defence and keeping is terrible

Queenslander 3x a year.

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Endorsed by
coochiee
about 1 month ago
Feel for Ifill, sees the Nix lose 5 nil, then his cook islands team 8 nil.  
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about 1 month ago
Full-time 8-0 to NZ. 
Debut caps for Pia Vlok (Phoenix) & Charlotte Lancaster (Newcastle Jets) as second half substitutes.
Essentially an attack vs defence training game.
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Endorsed by
kwlap
about 1 month ago
Watched bits and pieces, can't help but thinking it's a waste of time tbh.

The teams we play are trying hard but so far behind technically and tactically that they simply can't compete, and our players respond by having patches of high intensity and patches of just going through the motions because the result is already known.

I guess they are trying to show respect by putting out a strong side, but for me I would like to see us use less experienced players in the other games. Players like Stott, Esson, Bunge, Kitching, Riley, Jale have already played a ton for the Ferns and won't gain anything from this experience, instead of just using them off the bench I would like players like Haering, Clegg, Lancaster, Vlok all to start, get them more experience, caps and goals in the Ferns shirt. 

Hopefully in goal too both Iro and Santos get a run in goal this window
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Endorsed by
YoungHeartHM
about 1 month ago · edited about 1 month ago · History
The exit OFC, join AFC agrument does more apply with the women's game.
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Endorsed by
br
about 1 month ago
Procrastinixing
Feel for Ifill, sees the Nix lose 5 nil, then his cook islands team 8 nil.  

Samoa. Same same but different
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