The All Whites have confirmed their first fixture of the September FIFA international window, taking on Mexico (FIFA rank 15) at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California on Sunday 8 September at 12:30pm NZT [Saturday 7 September at 5:30pm local time]. 

The game continues the team’s strategy of facing top 50 ranked sides in preparation for FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying starting at the end of the year, with fixtures against Egypt (FIFA rank 36), plus one of Croatia (FIFA rank 10) or Tunisia (FIFA rank 41), already scheduled this month in Abu Dhabi, UAE. 

The All Whites previously faced Mexico at the historic US venue in 2010 where Mexico won 2-0 in front of a crowd of over 90,000 fans. 

All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley sees this game as a great opportunity for his side to face a top opponent in a high pressure environment: 

“Should we qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 we are going to be playing sides that are higher ranked than us and this game, especially taking place in front of a likely huge crowd which will predominately be supporting Mexico, in one of the countries the tournament will be happening in, is a brilliant test for us. 

“Not many of our squad will have played in an atmosphere like we can expect to see in this game and it will give us a great taste of what the FIFA World Cup 2026 could feel like, which is no better incentive heading into our qualifying games in October and November. 

“We will likely have another game still to be announced in this window but we are now in a fortunate position of having the 2024 schedule locked in with the W Cup alongside Egypt, Croatia and Tunisia this month, followed by the OFC Nations Cup in Vanuatu, Olympics in July, this game in September and FIFA World Cup qualifying in October and November. 

“We want to take every step to make sure we are as prepared as possible come qualifying and this match schedule should put us in the best place to perform.”

A second fixture for the September FIFA international window is set to be confirmed and announced in due course. 

Article added: Wednesday 13 March 2024