Ford Football Ferns vs Costa Rica
23 February at 12pm and 26 February at 2pm NZT
Piedades de Santa Ana stadium in Alajuela, Costa Rica
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The Ford Football Ferns kick off their new cycle, building towards the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, with a two-match series against Costa Rica (FIFA rank 43) in Alajuela, just outside San José, the capital city.

These will be the Ferns’ first games of 2025, with interim head coach Michael Mayne looking to build depth in his squad. He has named three debutants—Perth Glory forward Kelli Brown, Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Geo Candy, and FFC Turbine Potsdam midfielder Maya Hahn—alongside two uncapped players: Wellington Phoenix’s Manaia Elliott and Feyenoord’s Emma Pijnenburg.

Mayne has also introduced an all-new coaching staff for this tour, with 77-cap former Fern Jenny Bindon, Will Britt, and assistant coach Sam Wilkinson joining the team.

After using the end of 2024 to plan for the new cycle, the team will be aiming to start 2025 with two wins in Central America.

Likely Team:

At the pre-match press conference, Mayne confirmed there were no injury concerns in the squad.

It was also announced that 136-cap Wellington Phoenix midfielder Annalie Longo will captain the side for these games.

Players and coaches have emphasized that they have been working on a new playing style during their time in Costa Rica, so fans can expect a fresh approach from Mayne’s first personally selected squad.

With five uncapped players in the squad, several Ferns debuts are likely as the team looks to build competition for places across the pitch.

What Head Coach Michael Mayne Has Said:

"I’ve been with this team for a while now, but obviously, this role is quite different.

"I’ve made a point of coming in with fresh ideas and a new way of playing… it’s a challenge for the group. I’m trying to attack in a different way, I’m asking different things of the players, and they have been really open to taking that challenge on."

Player to Watch: Priscila Chinchilla

The Costa Rican squad is predominantly made up of domestic-based players, but 23-year-old Priscila Chinchilla breaks the mould. Currently at FC Zenit, she previously played for Glasgow City alongside Meikayla Moore.

The attacking midfielder is a key threat for Costa Rica, with 13 goals in 30 international appearances.

Where To Watch:

The Ford Football Ferns play Costa Rica on Sunday 23 February at 1pm NZT (Saturday 22 February at 6pm local time) and Wednesday 26 February at 11am NZT (Tuesday 25 February at 4pm local time). 

Both games will be played at Piedades de Santa Ana stadium in Alajuela, Costa Rica.

Watch live and free on FIFA Plus at plus.fifa.com

Article added: Saturday 22 February 2025