New Zealand to play China in two home matches

Courtesy of New Zealand Football New Zealand will kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026 cycle with two home games against China this March. The team will play the first game at Mt Smart Stadium in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) on Thursday, March 23 (Kick-off 7.00pm NZT) and the second at Sky Stadium in Te Whanganui-a-Tara…

We’re nearing the start of the OFC Champions League 2023, with the main tournament set to kick off in Vanuatu in May. First up though, we are excited to announce the schedule for the Qualifying Stage matches. Four teams will play off against one another to claim a spot in the main tournament, with this…

Raphael Lea’i, who was one of the stars of the OFC Qatar Qualifiers last year, has become the first player from the Solomon Islands to play professionally in Europe. The 19-year-old striker has signed a deal with Bosnia and Herzegovinian club FK Velež Mostar. Lea’i was at the club on a trial for the last…

Auckland City FC defender Adam Mitchell believes they are as prepared as they could possibly be ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup opener with Egyptian giants Al Ahly. The winner of Thursday morning’s match in Morocco (8am NZT) earns $1M USD while the loser picks up $500,000 USD but Mitchell isn’t focused on the…

While the OFC U-17 Championship provided players with an opportunity to reach their dreams, it had the same impact for two of our referees who received their FIFA badges last week in Fiji. Kavitesh Behari (Fiji) and Calvin Berg (New Zealand) officiated at the tournament and were given their FIFA badges at a small ceremony…

A stunning last-minute save from Matthew Foord ensured New Zealand were crowned OFC U-17 Champions for the ninth time after edging a thrilling contest against an unfortunate New Caledonia side in the 2023 final. Niko Bruce capitalised on a goalkeeping error in the first half to ensure his nation’s eighth consecutive tournament win despite being…

Tahiti have secured third spot at the OFC U-17 Championships after a 3-0 win over hosts Fiji in Suva.  Goals from Vaitea Seguy, Titouan Guillemant and Ariiheivarau Tama earned a second third-place finish in a row in this competition after a second-half blitz at HFC Bank Stadium.  Chances were at a premium in the first…

Tonight’s OFC U-17 Championship 2023 final will begin on a somber note, as players, officials and the crowd will observe a minute’s silence to mark the passing of Ruben Kutran. The 20-year-old passed away on New Year’s Eve, in Bordeaux, France. Kutran was a New Caledonia representative at the 2018 OFC U-17 tournament, playing in…