Following the announcement that TVNZ will be the home of the FIFA World Cup 26™, TVNZ have partnered with New Zealand Football to bring All Whites games leading up to the tournament to free-to-air, both on broadcast and TVNZ+, in addition to being available on FIFA+. 

The partnership will start with September’s home and away series for the Soccer Ashes against Australia’s Socceroos, at Canberra’s GIO Stadium on Friday 5 September (KO 9:45pm NZT), and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s Go Media Stadium on Tuesday 9 September (KO 7pm NZT). 

Both games will be broadcast on TVNZ’s DUKE channel and TVNZ+. 

2025 will also see games against top European sides Poland (Friday 10 October NZT), and Norway (Wednesday 15 October NZT), followed by two soon to be announced fixtures in November, also free-to-view on TVNZ’s platforms. 

“Football is the biggest team participation sport in the country, and the most popular sport with young people, so it makes sense to be on the country’s biggest broadcaster to ensure all Kiwis can watch their national team perform on the world stage” says Andrew Pragnell, CEO at New Zealand Football. 

“With the All Whites returning to the FIFA World Cup™ next year, the impact of the home FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, the excitement around our two professional sides in Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix, the amazing things our players like Chris Wood continue to do around the world, and our recently released updated Whole of Football 2.0 plan to ensure even more players enjoy the game, this is momentous time for football that is only going to get bigger with partnerships like this.”

Jodi O’Donnell, CEO at TVNZ said:

“We are right behind the All Whites as they prepare to step out on the biggest stage in the world for FIFA World Cup 26™. 

“Showing these six buildup matches across our channels and platforms is a fantastic way for fanatics and new fans alike to see the squad in action and get excited about the exhilarating year of football ahead of us.”

In addition to New Zealand Football’s partnership with TVNZ, football fans can watch over 300 Dettol National League, Delivereasy cup competitions, and international matches live and free on FIFA+.  

Article added: Friday 29 August 2025