The Ford Football Ferns will return home to Aotearoa New Zealand this April following the record-breaking FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. 

The team will play two games in Ōtautahi Christchurch at the Apollo Projects Stadium against Thailand (FIFA rank 48).

The games will be played on Saturday 6 April (KO 3PM) and Tuesday 9 April (KO 7PM). 

Tickets will be $20 for adults (plus booking fees) and free for under 16s. 

Members of New Zealand Football’s Football Whānau can purchase adult tickets at a discounted rate. Sign up now at nzfootball.co.nz/footballwhanau. 

Tickets will go on sale on next week. 

The Ford Football Ferns have faced Thailand four times before, winning three games and drawing one, and most recently recorded a 5-0 win in 2017 with goals from Ria Percival (x2), Katie Bowen, Amber Hearn and Annalie Longo.

New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell said:

“We have made a commitment that our senior national teams will play at home every year so we are really pleased to announce that the Ford Football Ferns will be returning to Aotearoa this April to take on Thailand. 

“We know how much it means to both the fans and the players to play at home and it is extra special to be in Christchurch after we weren’t able to be there in 2023. 

“Christchurch, and the wider Mainland Football region, has a rich football history and played a big hand in the development of many of our Ford Football Ferns so it’s great to bring them back to a city they have so much affinity with.

“Last year’s tournament was a game changer for football in New Zealand and we are already seeing the huge level of interest ahead of the new community season. 

“These games, and the opportunity for the team to be out in the community in Christchurch, will only amplify that so we can’t wait to see all the fans there cheering on the Ferns.”

The Ford Football Ferns are currently in Samoa at the OFC Women’s Olympic Qualifier 2024 where they kicked off the tournament yesterday against Tonga with a 3-0 win. 

The OFC Women’s Olympic Qualifier and the international friendly games against Thailand can both be watched live and free on FIFA+. 

Article added: Thursday 08 February 2024