New Zealand continue their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a friendly game against Finland on Thursday as part of the FIFA Series. Ranked 85th in the world, the All Whites sealed qualification for just the third time in their history as they beat New Caledonia 3-0 in the finals of the third round.
Since then, it’s all gone downhill for them. Following a 1-0 win over the Ivory Coast, New Zealand failed to win any of their next seven games, losing six.
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The Oceania outfit aim to turn over a new leaf in 2026 and find their mojo again as they look forward to the upcoming showpiece, where they have been drawn with Belgium, Iran and Egypt in Group G.
For this month’s double-header against Finland and Chile, 23 players have been called up, including key defender Tim Payne and veteran striker Kosta Barbarouses.
On the other hand, Finland are looking to put their World Cup qualifying disappointment behind them and focus on getting promoted in the UEFA Nations League, which is coming up later this year.
The Nordic side’s wait for a first World Cup appearance continued as they finished in third place of Group G with just three wins from eight and 10 points in the bag, seven behind Poland, who went into the playoffs, and 10 behind leaders Netherlands, who sealed a direct qualification.
Since then, the Eagle-Owls played one friendly against Andorra, whom they crushed 4-0 in their last official clash on 17 November 2026.
New Zealand vs Finland Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- This will be the first official meeting betwen New Zealand and Finland.
- Having beaten Andorra in their last game, Finland could see consecutive wins for the first time since November 2023.
- New Zealand are winless in their last seven games, losing six.
New Zealand vs Finland Prediction
New Zealand are on a downward spiral since concluding their World Cup qualifying campaign successfully, as they have struggled to score goals.
Finland could capitalize on their opponents’ situation and pick up a win.
Prediction: New Zealand 0-2 Finland
New Zealand vs Finland Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Result: Finland to win
Tip 2 – Goals over/under 2.5: Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3 – Both teams to score: No
Edited by Peter Pedroncelli