The All Whites have added two more high-ranking international opponents to their 2025 schedule, confirming games against Colombia and Ecuador.
New Zealand will play Colombia — rated #14 in the FIFA men’s world rankings — on November 16, 2025 (NZT) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at Chase Stadium, home of MLS side Inter Miami.
On November 19 (NZT), the All Whites will take on Ecuador (#25) at Sports Illustrated Stadium, home of New York Red Bulls, in Harrison, New Jersey.
Both opponents are in good form with Colombia beating Venezuela 6-3, and Ecuador claiming a shock 1-0 win over world champions Argentina, this month in FIFA World Cup qualifying.
The games continue the All Whites’ strategy of facing top 40-ranked sides to prepare the team for what they may face at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The fixtures follow matches against Poland (# 37) and Norway (#33) in October, and September’s Soccer Ashes Trophy series against Australia (#24).
“These are two really top-level opponents to end a big 2025 for the team, but these are the challenges we need so we can be ready for the FIFA World Cup next year,” head coach Darren Bazeley said.
“Before the World Cup, we want to know we have faced a range of opponents and styles, so playing two big South American sides, after two strong European teams in October, is great preparation.
“We had a good breakthrough with the win over Côte d’Ivoire in June, and then put in strong performances, especially in the first game, against Australia this month, even though we didn’t get the result, so our remaining four games will again test us but that is what we want.
“After games in Canada in June, two matches in the USA again gives us the opportunity to get used to playing in a host country which could be really beneficial come next year.
“It’s going to be an exciting end to the year and with the FIFA World Cup 26 draw on 6 December, the momentum is really building.”
Both games will be available live and free on FIFA+ as well as TVNZ, official broadcaster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Fixtures
Game to be played on Friday October 10, 2025 (NZT)
Poland v New Zealand
Stadion Śląski, Chorzów, Poland, 7.45am (NZT)
Game to be played on Wednesday October 15, 2025 (NZT)
Norway v New Zealand
Ullevaal Stadium, Oslo, Norway, 5am (NZT)
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Game to be played on Sunday November 16, 2025 (NZT)
Colombia v New Zealand
Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, kick-off TBC
Game to be played on Wednesday November 19, 2025 (NZT)
Ecuador v New Zealand
Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, New Jersey, kick-off TBC
This story was first published on September 11, 2025.