The Ford Football Ferns have announced two games against FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 quarter-finalists Japan (FIFA rank no. 7) on Saturday 1 June NZT (Friday 31 May local) and Tuesday 4 June NZT (Monday 3 June local) as the team continue to build up to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.

The games will be played at Estadio Nueva Condomina, Murcia, Spain, kicking off at 4pm local time (2am NZT) and will be broadcast live and free in Aotearoa New Zealand on FIFA+. 

The Ford Football Ferns come into the games on a seven-match unbeaten run following winning February’s OFC Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in Samoa and the two-game April series against Thailand in Ōtautahi Christchurch. 

Head coach Jitka Klimková sees the matches as perfect preparation for Paris 2024 where the Ferns will kick-off on 25 July (local time):

“We know at the Olympics we will be facing some really top sides so it is important to build up to it with games against similarly ranked opponents. 

“Japan were impressive at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and will provide a real challenge for us with a different playing style than we have come up against in recent fixtures. 

“These games are also a great opportunity for some of the newer players who have come into the squad to test themselves against a really top side as we continue to build towards the Olympics and beyond.”

New Zealand has been drawn in Group A at Paris 2024 alongside reigning Tokyo 2020 gold medallists Canada, Colombia and hosts France.  

UPCOMING FIXTURES:

Japan vs New Zealand
International Friendly
Saturday 1 June NZT (Friday 31 May local)
KO 2am NZT (4pm local)
Estadio Nueva Condomina, Murcia, Spain

Japan vs New Zealand
International Friendly
Tuesday 4 June NZT (Monday 3 June local) 
KO 2am NZT (4pm local)
Estadio Nueva Condomina, Murcia, Spain

Canada vs New Zealand
Women's Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024
Friday 26 July NZT (Thursday 25 July local)
KO 3am NZT (5pm local)
Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Etienne, France

New Zealand vs Colombia
Women's Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024
Monday 29 July NZT (Sunday 28 July local)
KO 3am NZT (5pm local)
Stade de Lyon, Lyon, France

New Zealand vs France
Women's Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024
Thursday 1 August NZT (Wednesday 31 July local)
KO 7am (9pm local)
Stade de Lyon, Lyon, France

Article added: Tuesday 07 May 2024