India vs New Zealand: Full lineups confirmed as Ryan Williams starts in international friendly
The Blue Tigers and Kiwis meet after 8 years
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
The Indian National Football Team is set to lock horns with the New Zealand National Football Team today at Go Media Stadium, Auckland, at 11:30 AM IST.
This will be the first-ever meeting between both sides in the last eight years, as the last time both teams met was in the 2018 Intercontinental Cup, where New Zealand managed to get away with a 2-1 win to end the Blue Tigers’ winning run in the competition.
The Kiwis arrive for this game after an eventful international window in October, where they faced Palestine, China, Japan, and Panama, of which they managed to win the latter two games.
Ahead of the friendlies, they also featured in the FIFA World Cup 2026, where they were placed alongside Iran, Egypt and Belgium. Despite starting the tournament with a draw against Iran, New Zealand suffered heavy losses to Egypt and New Zealand with scorelines of 3-1 and 5-1, eventually leading to a 40th-place finish.
On the other hand, the Blue Tigers step onto the pitch after a busy international window in October, where they faced Panama, Brazil and Uruguay. India is also simultaneously participating in the SAFF Championship held in Dhaka, with a different set of players, where they have secured qualification to the semi-finals.
Last time, both sides faced each other; surprisingly, India was higher ranked (97) than New Zealand (120) in the FIFA World Rankings. Despite being a friendly match, either side will push to their best abilities, leave it all on the pitch and step out with a positive result.
As we move closer to this international friendly between India and New Zealand, take a look at the confirmed lineups of both sides.
India Lineup
Starting XI: Vishal Kaith (GK), Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Pramveer Singh, Bijoy Varghese, Akash Mishra, Anirudh Thapa, Manvir Singh, Ryan Williams, Jithin Madathil Subran, Liston Colaco, Lalremtluanga Fanai
Bench: Som Kumar (GK), Hrithik Tiwari (GK), Mehtab Singh, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Mohammed Sanan, Roshan Singh Naorem, Muhammad Suhail, David Lalhlansanga, Ricky Meetei Haobam, Jay Gupta, Tomba Singh Haobam, Ashique Kuruniyan
New Zealand Lineup
Starting XI: Alex Paulsen (GK), Callan Elliot, Francis De Vries, Lachlan Bayliss, Logan Rogerson, Chris Wood, Matthew Garbett, Alex Rufer, Nando Pijnaker, Bill Tuiloma, Jesse Randall
Bench: Michael Woud (GK), Henry Gray (GK), Matthew Sheridan, Michael Boxall, Finn Surman, Lukas Kelly-Heald, James McGarry, Owen Parker-Price, Callum McCowatt, Liam Gillion, Nathan Walker, Corban Piper
Where to watch India vs New Zealand
The FIFA International Friendly between India and New Zealand will be live-streamed on FIFA+ on DAZN.com & the DAZN app, with the match kicking off at 11:30 AM IST.
When will India play an International Friendly against New Zealand?
India are all set to play against New Zealand on 12th November at the Go Media Stadium in Auckland. The match is starting at 11:40 AM IST.
Who is the head coach of the Indian National Football Team?
Khalid Jamil is the head coach of the Indian National Football Team.
Where can I watch the India vs New Zealand match live?
The FIFA International Friendly between India and New Zealand will be live-streamed on FIFA+ on DAZN.com & the DAZN app, with the match kicking off at 11:30 AM IST.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.