New Zealand Football have today confirmed the first men’s international match of the November FIFA window with the All Whites set to face Republic of Ireland at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Tuesday 21 November 2023, kicking off at 7:45pm (Wednesday 22 November 2023 at 8:45am NZT).

The two teams last faced each other four years ago in November 2019 with the Irish side winning 3-1 after the All Whites opened the scoring through Callum McCowatt.

The game is the second currently announced European fixture that the team will play this spring following the match in London on Tuesday 17 October (Wednesday 18 October NZT) vs Australia for the Soccer Ashes trophy, the first time the trophy has been contested in nearly 70 years.

Additional All Whites games in Europe for October and November are also in discussion. 

“This match is another good game against a strong opposition, continuing to deliver on the plan to play in every available FIFA window, giving us the best possible preparation ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers” says All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley. 

“Playing games in Europe like this allows us to have extra time together as a team which is critical at the start of a new World Cup cycle.

“We want to be consistently testing ourselves against good sides as that is how we are going to continue to grow as a group after some encouraging performances in June.”

Bazeley is currently in camp with the men’s U-23 side ahead of the team taking part in the OFC Men’s Olympic Qualifier tournament set to start this weekend in Tamaki Makaurau Auckland. 

Upcoming All Whites Fixtures:

17 October 2023 (18 October 2023 NZT)
All Whites vs Australia 
London, England
Venue and kick-off time to be announced  

21 November 2023 (22 November 2023 NZT)
Republic of Ireland vs All Whites
Dublin, Ireland
Aviva Stadium at 7:45pm (8:45am NZT)

Article added: Friday 25 August 2023