All Whites vs Poland
International Friendly
7:45am NZT – Friday 10 September
Stadion Śląski, Chorzów, Poland

Watch live and free on FIFA+ and TVNZ

After playing locally in September, the All Whites return to their busy end to 2025 with two big games against European powerhouses Poland and Norway.

First up is Poland, ranked 36th in the world by FIFA, a side packed with experience from across Europe’s top-tier leagues.

Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski is the headline name, but this is a team featuring players from some of Europe’s biggest clubs in Serie A, the Premier League, and the Bundesliga.

The All Whites have made it a priority to face top opposition in the build-up to the FIFA World Cup 2026, and Poland certainly represent a major test for Darren Bazeley’s side.

Likely Line-up:

At the pre-match press conference, it was confirmed there were no injury concerns in the squad, and that all players trained the day before the game.

With a long season ahead, both sides are expected to manage player minutes, with Poland playing at FIFA World Cup qualifier three days later against Lithuania.

George Stanger and Owen Parker-Price have impressed in training this week, according to Bazeley, so there could be an opportunity for one or both to make their debuts.

Should Chris Wood play, he will earn his 87th cap, just one away from equalling Ivan Vicelich as the men’s all-time top appearance maker for New Zealand.

Head Coach Darren Bazeley said:

“We’re looking forward to the game. We obviously know it’s going to be a challenge — Poland have got some very good players and are a highly ranked European team — so it’s a big challenge, but one we’re excited about and looking forward to.”

Player to Watch: Robert Lewandowski

This is a team packed with talent, but it’s impossible to look past arguably Poland’s greatest-ever player.

A legend at Bayern Munich and now consistently delivering at Barcelona, the Best FIFA Men’s Player in 2020 and 2021 remains one of the world’s elite forwards at 37.

Watch live and free on FIFA+ and TVNZ from 7:45am NZT

Article added: Thursday 09 October 2025