All Whites face Japan in Kirin Cup final
Monday 5 October 2026 · 5 outlets · 10 reports · updated In this story All Whites, Darren Bazeley, Chris Wood, Ben Old
New Zealand's All Whites will play Japan in the Kirin Cup final at Tokyo National Stadium. The team reached the final following a penalty shootout win against Panama. Captain Chris Wood, who has scored three goals in his last two matches against Japan, remains a key player for the side.
Key facts
6 facts
- Kirin Cup final: All Whites v Japan, Tokyo National Stadium
- Japan world ranking: 17th
- All Whites world ranking: 86th
- All Whites reached final via 5-3 penalty shootout win over Panama
- Japan reached final via 5-4 penalty shootout win over Ecuador
- Match broadcast time: 11.30pm Monday on TVNZ+
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
The All Whites will face host nation Japan in the Kirin Cup final at Tokyo National Stadium. The match is scheduled for 11.30pm Monday and will be broadcast live on TVNZ+.
Both teams reached the final via penalty shoot-outs. The All Whites defeated Panama 5-3 on penalties in Yokohama last Thursday, while Japan progressed by defeating Ecuador 5-4 after a 0-0 draw in regulation time.
Japan is ranked 17th in the world, while the All Whites are ranked 86th. Head coach Darren Bazeley stated, “We’ll learn – we’ll get better” regarding the opportunity to face top 20-ranked opposition.
The All Whites have a record of three wins apiece against Japan in seven encounters. Previous meetings include a 2-1 win for Japan in 2017 and a 4-2 win for Japan in 2014.
Where reports differ
- The All Whites' recent tour results are reported as wins over China and Panama and a draw with Palestine, whereas one report notes they have not lost a match during the tour.
Compiled from reports by The Post, NZ Herald and 1News.
