The Ford Football Ferns have confirmed their next international fixtures, with the team set to face Venezuela (FIFA ranking 51) over two matches next month in southern Spain. 

The first match against the South American side will be played on Sunday 1 June 2025 at 4am NZT (31 May 2025 at 6pm local), with the second on Wednesday 4 June 2025 at 4am NZT (3 June 2025 at 6pm local).

The first game will be played at the Marbella Football Center in San Pedro de Alcántara, Spain. 

The second will also take place in southern Spain, with the venue to be announced in due course. 

The game marks the first time the two sides have faced each other at senior international level. 

Michael Mayne will continue as interim head coach for the tour, with recruitment for the next permanent Ford Football Ferns head coach being concluded this month. 

Interim head coach Michael Mayne said:

“After the disappointment of not being able to play in the last international window due to issues outside of our control, securing matches this window was crucial so we can continue to build on the work we have implemented so far this year.

“Venezuela are again a great fit for this stage of the campaign and have a player in Mariana Speckmaier that is very well known to our team. 

“It was important for us to find games this window that can allow us to test our squad and the way we are developing our play in competitive matches, and Venezuela will offer that perfect challenge point.

“The team have been really receptive to the new playing model, new language, and new ideas for how we work, so I’m looking forward to getting to Spain and supporting the team with getting some really strong performances out on the pitch against Venezuela.”


Article added: Friday 09 May 2025