Preview: New Zealand vs Chile Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | International Friendly

This will be the first head-to-head encounter between these two teams.

The first international break of 2026 is currently underway, and it will feature New Zealand taking on Chile in an international friendly at Eden Park, Auckland.

The home side suffered a 2-0 loss against Finland in their first game of 2026. On a side note, New Zealand are drawn in Group G and will face the likes of Iran, Egypt, and Belgium in the upcoming World Cup.

Chile, on the other hand, secured a 4-2 win against Cape Verde. The visitors missed out on qualifying for the World Cup, but are on a four-match winning streak right now.  

Kickoff:

Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Stadium: Eden Park

Date and Kickoff time: Monday, Mar 30 – 11:30 am IST/06:00 am GMT/02:00 am ET; Sunday, Mar 29 – 11:00 pm PT

Referee: Not decided

VAR: In Use

Form:

New Zealand (in all competitions): L-L-L-D-L

Chile (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-D

Players to watch out for:

Ryan Thomas (New Zealand)

The PEC Zwolle midfielder is one of the most talented players on the squad. His role at the heart of New Zealand‘s midfield is very important due to his technical brilliance. He is also very versatile and can play as a central and defensive midfielder.  

Maximilian Gutiérrez (Chile)

Gutiérrez registered a goal and an assist against Cape Verde in his last appearance and will be high on confidence ahead of his game against New Zealand. Despite his young age, the CA Independiente midfielder has become a regular part of his national team due to his immense talent.

Match Facts:

• This will be the first clash between these national football teams.
• New Zealand lost 2-0 against Finland in their last game.
• Chile won 4-2 against Cape Verde in their last game.

Betting tips and odds

• Tip 1: Chile to win – 1.91 by Stake
• Tip 2: Both teams to score – 1.65 by Dafabet
• Tip 3: Expected Goals – Over 2.5 – 1.72 by Dafabet

Injury and Team news:

Both teams have their entire squad available for selection.

Head to Head:

This will be the first head-to-head encounter between these two teams.

Predicted Lineups:

New Zealand (4-3-3)

Crocombe(GK); Vries, Bindon, Surman, Payne; Stamenić, Thomas; Old, Just, McCowatt, Waine

Chile (4-4-2)

Vigouroux(GK); Suazo, Kuscevic, Román, Garguez; Echeverría, Pizarro; Millán, Cepeda, Gutiérrez; Díaz

Match Prediction:

Both teams are very strong, and a match between them is expected to be very close. However, Chile are expected to register a win over New Zealand in their upcoming game.

Prediction: New Zealand 1-2 Chile

Telecast details:

FIFA+ is the main global broadcaster for this game.

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