The Football Ferns road to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France is now complete.

The World No 19 Ferns, who defeated Norway last week in Spain for their first win over a higher ranked opponent in four years, will play Mexico on 22 May at the Red Bull Academy in New York.

The match is six days after the Ferns play the World No 1 USA in St Louis on 16 May, and ahead of their games against England and Wales in June in their final countdown to the tournament.

Mexico, who have competed at three FIFA Women’s World Cups over their history, have not qualified for this year’s tournament.

Head Coach Tom Sermanni said the behind-closed-doors fixture against the World No 26 Mexico would be another good test in their preparation for the World Cup.

“We are looking forward to this game and it is great to have our schedule of games complete as we get ready for the World Cup,” said Sermanni. “Thanks again to the team behind the scenes at New Zealand Football. Since taking over the role, we knew that we didn’t have a lot of time to get ready but they have helped us confirm a first-class schedule.

“We have just come back from a good tour in Spain and it is important that this team continues to build on this momentum and has a really strong build up for France.”

New Zealand have played Mexico three times in their history. They lost 5-0 at the Cyprus Cup in 2011, drew 2-2 at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany and went down 2-1 at the Yongchuan Cup in China in 2014.  

The Ferns have been drawn in Group E of the FIFA Women’s World Cup where they will face the Netherlands, Canada and Cameroon.

Football Ferns international calendar in 2019
USA v New Zealand
Thursday 16 May, 7pm CT (Friday 17 May, 12pm NZT)
Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri

Mexico v New Zealand
Wednesday 22 May, kick off 2pm (behind-closed-doors) (Thursday 23 May 6am NZT) 
Red Bull Academy, New York

England v New Zealand
Date: Saturday 1 June, kick-off 1pm (Sunday 2 June 12am NZT)
Venue: Brighton and Hove Albion’s AMEX Stadium

Wales v New Zealand
Date: Tuesday 4 June, kick off 7pm (Wednesday 5 June 6am NZT) 
Venue: Cardiff International Sports Stadium, Cardiff

2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup draw – Football Ferns games (NZT)
New Zealand v Netherlands
12 June, 1am
Stade Oceane Le Havre

New Zealand v Canada
16 June, 7am
Stade des Alpes, Grenoble

New Zealand v Cameroon
21 June, 4am
Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier

Article added: Tuesday 16 April 2019