All Whites Asia tour and Kirin Cup

The story so far

The All Whites drew 2-2 with Palestine in Chongqing, China, their first match since the FIFA World Cup in June, with Ben Waine and Jesse Randall scoring for New Zealand.^{24 Sep} Four days later they beat China 3-0, their first win since March and first clean sheet in 15 months.^{28 Sep} The team then travelled to Japan for the Kirin Cup, with captain Chris Wood joining the squad after reflecting on the team's World Cup exit.^{30 Sep} New Zealand beat Panama in a penalty shootout to reach the Kirin Cup final against Japan at Tokyo National Stadium.^{5 Oct}

Latest

New Zealand Football confirmed that Darren Bazeley, coach since 2023, will step down at the end of 2026.^{24 Oct} He will remain in charge for the home matches against India in November.^{24 Oct}

What's next

The All Whites play India in home matches in November, with Bazeley still coaching.^{24 Oct}

Key moments

1. 24 SepAll Whites draw 2-2 with Palestine in their first match since the World Cup.
2. 28 SepNew Zealand beat China 3-0, ending a winless run and a 15-month clean-sheet drought.
3. 30 SepCaptain Chris Wood joins the squad in Japan for the Kirin Cup.
4. 5 OctA penalty shootout win over Panama sends New Zealand into the Kirin Cup final.
5. 24 OctCoach Darren Bazeley to leave when his contract ends in December 2026.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.