All Whites to play Qatar while Darren Bazeley continues as interim head coach

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The All Whites will play AFC Asian Cup holders Qatar during June’s international window, meeting them at Generali Arena in Vienna, Austria.

Darren Bazeley, currently leading the New Zealand U-20 team at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina, will continue as interim All Whites head coach after guiding the side to a 2-1 win and 0-0 draw against China in March.

NZ Football are yet to appoint a replacement for Danny Hay who left the head coaching role last December.

Qatar are currently ranked 61st in the FIFA men’s world rankings, compared to New Zealand’s 100th position, having climbed from 113th since 2010.

Main photo: Qatar competed at last year’s FIFA World Cup as the host nation.

Three days before the match, the All Whites will play the 22nd-ranked Sweden in Stockholm.

NZ Football chief executive Andrew Pragnell said: “Sweden and Qatar are two good opponents and represent exactly the kind of challenge we want to continue to develop the side ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup cycle.

“We have committed to playing in every possible international window, and are pleased to follow our two home games in March with another great set of fixtures next month, plus more exciting matches locked in for later in the year.”

Darren Bazeley … another two games as interim head coach.

Bazeley said: “The performance of the team in March, specifically for the match in Wellington, was really positive.

“We will be looking to continue to build on that in two games that will be a really good test for us.

“Along with regular home fixtures, playing more games in Europe, where a large number of our players are based, has been a real priority, so I know the boys can’t wait to assemble next month.”

READ MORE: All Whites to play in-form Sweden in June international window >>>>

Fixtures

Game to be played on Saturday June 17, 2023

Sweden v All Whites
Friends Arena, Soina, Stockholm, 5am (NZT)

Game to be played on Tuesday June 20, 2023

Qatar v All Whites
Generali Arena, Vienna, 4am (NZT)

Where the All Whites will play

Check out this tour of the Generali Arena, Vienna”

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