The All Whites will kick-off a big 2024 by taking part in a four-team tournament alongside Croatia (FIFA rank 10), Egypt (FIFA rank 33) and Tunisia (FIFA rank 28) this March.

The tournament, the W Cup, will take place in UAE from 22 March 2024 (local time) with each team set to play two games, an opening match and then either the Final on 26 March 2024 or Third-Place Play-Off on 25 March 2024.

The draw for the cup will be made shortly as well as an announcement on further competition details including match locations, kick-off times and tournament sponsors.

All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley sees the tournament as a perfect start to a big year of football for his side:

“The focus for the team this year is FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, but should we get there, tournament experience against higher ranked teams will be critical.

“To start 2024 with games against some of the top sides in the world, in a tournament environment, is a great opportunity to continue to test and learn about ourselves playing against opposition of this level. 

“We ended 2023 with a great performance and I know the whole squad can’t wait to get going in 2024.”

Games from the tournament will be broadcast live and free in Aotearoa New Zealand on FIFA Plus.

Article added: Monday 08 January 2024