India to face New Zealand in two-match international friendly series in November
New Zealand played the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The Indian football team will take on New Zealand in a two-match international friendly series during the November FIFA international window later this year.
The Blue Tigers will first face the All Whites at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on November 12 before travelling to Christchurch for the second game at the newly built One New Zealand Stadium on November 15. The Christchurch fixture will also mark the first-ever football match to be played at the venue.
The series was announced during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to New Zealand and is part of the celebrations marking 100 Years of Unity Through Sport between the two nations.
India yet to register a win against New Zealand
India and New Zealand have met only twice in international football. Their first encounter ended in a goalless draw in 1981, while the All Whites claimed a 2-1 victory when the two sides last met in 2018.
For India, the friendlies will provide valuable preparation against FIFA World Cup 2026 participants, New Zealand.
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What was said about New Zealand’s matches against India?
New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell welcomed the announcement, highlighting the significance of bringing the All Whites back to Christchurch while also staging a match in Auckland.
“We have long stated that once the stadium was open, it was an absolute priority to bring the All Whites back to Christchurch, so it is great to be able to confirm this game, as well as the match in Auckland.
“Christchurch has played, and continues to play, a really important role in football in Aotearoa, from producing legends like Steve Sumner and Ryan Nelsen right through to the next generation of our teams, with players like Kate Taylor, Finn Surman, and Joe Bell.
“It’s been great to have Christchurch host the Ford Football Ferns on a number of occasions in recent years, as well as serve as a base camp for Japan during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, and we see the city playing a major role in future A-League expansion, which is a strategic priority for New Zealand Football.
“One New Zealand Stadium is an incredible facility, so it is going to be amazing to see it packed with thousands of Cantabrians supporting the team.”
All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley said the team was excited to play in front of home fans after their World Cup campaign and looked forward to ending the year with two high-profile matches against India.
“It was brilliant to see the fans supporting us in North America at the FIFA World Cup, and it meant a huge amount to the team, so it is great to bring the players home for two big games in front of Kiwi crowds.
“We have strived to play a style of football that excites the millions of football fans across the country, so it is going to be great to close out the year with two fixtures in Auckland and at the brand-new stadium in Christchurch.”
Fixtures of India’s New Zealand tour
- November 12, 2026: New Zealand vs India, Go Media Stadium, Auckland
- November 15, 2026: New Zealand vs India, One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch
More to follow…
When will India play New Zealand in the international friendly series?
India will face New Zealand on November 12 and November 15, 2026.
Where will the India vs New Zealand matches be played?
The first match will be held at Go Media Stadium in Auckland, while the second will take place at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.
What is India’s head-to-head record against New Zealand?
India have faced New Zealand twice. The first meeting ended in a 0-0 draw in 1981, while New Zealand won 2-1 in 2018.
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A sports journalist for over 4 years, Triyasha has been covering Indian Football and Kanbaddi meticulously, She specialises in in-depth knowledge of the game, the players and the footballing infrastructure and heritage in India.