The Futsal Ferns bow out of their first-ever FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, going down 10-0 to Portugal in their final Group match. 

New Zealand faced a relentless Portugal side whose pressure told in the first half, striking six goals and earning 32 shots to New Zealand’s one to reflect a dominant opening twenty minutes The Futsal Whites entered the match chasing improvement after their 6-0 defeat to Japan, and 4-2 loss to Tanzania, while Portugal arrived confident having won both of their Group matches.

New Zealand made a sharp start, pushing forward through the left flank and creating an early half-opening as they looked to test Portugal’s back line. They settled well in possession across the opening minutes, pressing high with numbers and keeping their defensive shape organised as Portugal searched for their rhythm.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – NOVEMBER 29: Players of New Zealand line up for a team photo prior to the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup – Group C match between New Zealand and Portugal at PhilSports Arena on November 29, 2025 in Manila, Philippines. (Photo by Ezra Acayan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Portugal soon began to dictate the tempo. Their front court, led by Janice Silva and Carolina Pedreira, found space through quick movement and dribbling pressure. The duo combined for the opening goal when Pedreira drove down the left and squared a precise ball to Silva for a clean finish.

Portugal’s confidence grew and their combinations became more decisive. New Zealand struggled to contain the pressure as Portugal added further goals through sharp passing sequences, clinical finishing and turnovers forced by their high press. Three goals in quick succession pushed the margin out to 6–0 before the break.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – NOVEMBER 29: Players of Portugal line up for a team photo prior to the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup – Group C match between New Zealand and Portugal at PhilSports Arena on November 29, 2025 in Manila, Philippines. (Photo by Ezra Acayan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

New Zealand pushed for a reply through captain Hannah Kraakman and Alosi Bloomfield, but the final touch went wide. The Futsal Whites stayed organised and kept competing, Kraakman worked hard in the second half and produced New Zealand’s first clear chance.

But Portugal stayed in control and added four more goals to seal a dominant win over the OFC champions.

Despite the losses, New Zealand leave this tournament with pride, stadnging on the world stage for the first time and pushing themselves against the best. Kraakman and Jessica Verdon made history as the first New Zealand players to score at a FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, a moment New Zealand futsal will carry forward.

New Zealand: 0
Portugal: 10 (KAKA 23′, MARIA PEREIRA 23′, INES MATOS 18′, FIFO 13′, 13′, JANICE SILVA 13′,  DEBORA LAVRADOR 07′, JANICE SILVA 02′, MARTINHA 32′, PRETTY OG 38′)

HT: 6-0

Photo credit: FIFA via Getty Images.