The Football Ferns will play World Cup quarter-finalists Japan in a two-game series in early June to help both teams prepare for the Olympic Games in Paris.
Both international friendlies will be played at Estadio Nueva Condomina, Murcia, Spain, kicking off at 4pm local time (2am NZT) and will be broadcast live and free in Aotearoa New Zealand on FIFA+.
Japan are currently ranked #7 in the FIFA women’s world rankings, while New Zealand are rated #28.
They’ll be the highest-rated opponents faced by the Ferns since New Zealand played the United States in friendlies ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Head coach Jitka Klimková sees the matches as perfect preparation for Paris 2024 where the Ferns will kick off on July 25 (NZT).
“We know at the Olympics we will be facing some really top sides, so it is important to build up to it with games against similarly ranked opponents.
“Japan were impressive at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and will provide a real challenge for us with a different playing style than we have come up against in recent fixtures.
“These games are also a great opportunity for some of the newer players who have come into the squad to test themselves against a really top side as we continue to build towards the Olympics and beyond.”
New Zealand have been drawn in Group A at Paris 2024 with Tokyo 2020 gold medallists Canada (world rank #9), Colombia (#23) and hosts France (#3).
Japan will play in Group C, with world champions Spain (#1), Nigeria (#36) and Brazil (#10).
READ MORE: Last two qualifiers confirmed for women’s Olympic Games tournament >>>>
Friendly fixtures
Game to be played on Saturday June 1, 2024 (NZT)
New Zealand v Japan
Estadio Nueva Condomina, Murcia, Spain, 2am (NZT)
Game to be played on Tuesday June 4, 2024 (NZT)
New Zealand v Japan
Estadio Nueva Condomina, Murcia, Spain, 2am (NZT)
Olympic fixtures
Games to be played on Friday July 26, 2024 (NZT)
Canada v New Zealand
Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Etienne, 3am (NZT)
France v Colombia
Stade de Lyon, Décines-Charpieu, 7am (NZT)
Games to be played on Monday July 29, 2024 (NZT)
New Zealand v Colombia
Stade de Lyon, Décines-Charpieu, 3am (NZT)
France v Canada
Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Etienne, 7am (NZT)
Games to be played on Thursday August 1, 2024 (NZT)
New Zealand v France
Stade de Lyon, Décines-Charpieu, 7am (NZT)
Colombia v Canada
Stade de Nice, Nice, 7am (NZT)
