The All Whites will open their 2026 Fifa World Cup at the home of the Los Angeles Rams, Fifa confirmed today when the match schedule and kickoff times were announced.
After being grouped with world No 8 ranked Belgium, Egypt, and Iran in Group G in yesterday’s draw, the AllWhites now know where they’ll be playing and it won’t involve too much travel.
They’ll open their World Cup campaign against Iran on June 16 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Los Angeles, a 70,240-capacity stadium opened just five years ago. It will host the Super Bowl in 2027.
It will be a Tuesday, 1pm kickoff (6pm local time) for New Zealand viewers.
The All Whites then travel from the United States to Vancouver, Canada, where they will play their final two group matches against Egypt, who should feature Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, on Monday June 22 - also a 1pm kickoff. That’s followed by the toughest group clash against Belgium on Saturday June 27 which begins at 3pm (8pm local time).
Those matches will be at BC Place, a roofed stadium with a capacity of 54,500 which held knockout matches at the Women’s Fifa World Cup in 2015.
NHL legend Wayne Gretzky draws New Zealand during the Fifa World Cup 2026 Official Draw at John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts. Photo / Getty Images
Belgium failed to advance out of pool play in 2022 after finishing third four years earlier.
Iran also didn’t advance in Qatar, with one win against Wales after opening the tournament with a 6-2 defeat to England.
Egypt didn’t qualify for the last World Cup after losing all three group games in 2018. Like New Zealand, Egypt have never won a game at the Fifa World Cup.
The opening game of the Fifa World Cup between Mexico and South Africa will take place on June 12 at the famed Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, a 7am kickoff.
All Whites coach Darren Bazeley believes his side have been handed a draw that gives them a strong chance to push for a spot in the knockout stages.
“We knew whatever group we landed in was going to be tough,” Bazeley said.
“When you look across some of the other groups, it could have been a bit worse.
“It’s going to be a challenge, we’re the lowest-ranked team in the whole tournament, but if everyone is fit and available and we perform on the day, we’re not scared of playing anyone.
“What we need now is to put that together over 90 minutes, be more ruthless with our final ball, our finishing and defend with the steel and determination we’ve shown recently. We know it’ll be tough, but the plan is to go there and get out of the group.”
