![]() | |||
Nickname(s) | Football Ferns [1] | ||
---|---|---|---|
Association | New Zealand Football | ||
Confederation | OFC (Oceania) | ||
Head coach | Jitka Klimková | ||
Captain | Ali Riley | ||
Most caps | Ria Percival (166) | ||
Top scorer | Amber Hearn (54) | ||
FIFA code | NZL | ||
| |||
FIFA ranking | |||
Current | 31 ![]() | ||
Highest | 16 (December 2013, July 2015 – March 2016) | ||
Lowest | 31 (August 2024) | ||
First international | |||
![]() ![]() (Hong Kong; 25 August 1975) | |||
Biggest win | |||
![]() ![]() (Auckland, New Zealand; 9 October 1998) | |||
Biggest defeat | |||
![]() ![]() (Brisbane, Australia; 24 February 2004) | |||
World Cup | |||
Appearances | 6 (first in 1991 ) | ||
Best result | Group stage (1991, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023) | ||
Olympic Games | |||
Appearances | 5 (first in 2008 ) | ||
Best result | Quarter-finals (2012) | ||
OFC Women's Nations Cup | |||
Appearances | 11 (first in 1983 ) | ||
Best result | Champions (1983, 1991, 2007, 2010, 2014, 2018) |
The New Zealand women's national football team (recognised as Aotearoa New Zealand by FIFA) [3] is governed by New Zealand Football (NZF). They are nicknamed the Football Ferns.
The New Zealand national team has taken part in the FIFA Women's World Cup six times, making their debut in 1991. [4] New Zealand co-hosted the 2023 World Cup alongside Australia. [5] They have failed to go past the group stage in all occasions.
The New Zealand Women's Soccer Association was founded in 1975. By invitation, the team took part in the Asian Women's Championship in 1975 and won the championship. [6] They have since then played in the Oceanic Championship.
As Australia left the OFC, New Zealand had no serious and competitive rivals in Oceania. This made New Zealand's qualification to the World Cup and Olympics easier having contested every edition of both tournaments since 2007.
New Zealand co-hosted the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup along with Australia after being awarded it on 25 June 2020 as the favourites over other bidder Colombia. The Football Ferns automatically qualified as co-host. Despite winning their opening match against Norway, their first World Cup win for either a women's or men's World Cup, [7] they suffered a shocking loss to debutants Philippines and later drew to Switzerland in their final match, and were eliminated after Norway defeated Philippines and finished above New Zealand on goal difference. This was the first time the hosts were eliminated from the group stage. They only managed to score one goal during the tournament. [8]
The New Zealand women's national football team are also known by their nickname the "Football Ferns". [1] Like their male counterparts, the team has traditionally worn all white kits. For the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, the Football Ferns switched to an all black first choice kit reminiscent of the New Zealand national rugby union team, as well as the country's national teams in other sports, including rugby league, field hockey, netball, basketball, volleyball, and limited overs cricket. The away kit pairs the traditional white shirts and socks with turquoise shorts. [9]
Worst Ranking Best Ranking Worst Mover Best Mover
New Zealand's FIFA world rankings | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rank | Year | Games Played | Won | Lost | Drawn | Best | Worst | ||||
Rank | Move | Rank | Move | ||||||||
22 | 2021 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 22 | ![]() | 22 | ![]() | ||
The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled. [11] [12]
Win Draw Lose Fixture
23 September Friendly | Chile ![]() | 3–0 | ![]() | Santiago, Chile |
19:00 UTC−3 | Report | Stadium: Estadio Bicentenario de La Florida Attendance: 5,341 [13] Referee: Nadia Fuques (Uruguay) |
26 September Friendly | Chile ![]() | 2–1 | ![]() | Santiago, Chile |
11:00 UTC−3 | Report |
| Stadium: Quilín Complex Attendance: 0 (Behind closed doors) |
2 December Friendly | Colombia ![]() | 0–0 | ![]() | Bogotá, Colombia |
16:00 UTC−5 | Report | Stadium: Estadio El Campin Referee: Angelina Rodas (Paraguay) |
5 December Friendly | Colombia ![]() | 1–0 | ![]() | Bogotá, Colombia |
15:00 UTC−5 |
| Report | Stadium: Estadio Metropolitano de Techo Attendance: 0 (Behind closed doors) Referee: Zulma Quiñónez (Paraguay) |
7 February OFC Olympic Qualifying | New Zealand ![]() | 3–0 | ![]() | Apia, Samoa |
13:00 UTC+13 | Report | Stadium: FFS Football Stadium (Field 1) Referee: Ben Aukwai (Solomon Islands) |
10 February OFC Olympic Qualifying | New Zealand ![]() | 6–0 | ![]() | Apia, Samoa |
17:00 UTC+13 | Report | Stadium: FFS Football Stadium (Field 1) Referee: David Yareboinen (Papua New Guinea) |
13 February OFC Olympic Qualifying | Vanuatu ![]() | 0–5 | ![]() | Apia, Samoa |
16:00 UTC+13 | Report | Stadium: FFS Football Stadium (Field 2) Referee: Kavitesh Behari (Fiji) |
16 February OFC Olympic Qualifying | New Zealand ![]() | 7–1 | ![]() | Apia, Samoa |
17:00 | Report |
| Stadium: FFS Football Stadium (Field 1) Referee: David Yareboinen (Papua New Guinea) |
19 February OFC Olympic Qualifying | Solomon Islands ![]() | 1–11 | ![]() | Apia, Samoa |
17:00 |
| Report | Stadium: FFS Football Stadium (Field 1) Referee: Norbert Hauata (Tahiti) |
6 April Friendly | New Zealand ![]() | 4–0 | ![]() | Christchurch, New Zealand |
15:00 UTC+13 | Report | Stadium: Rugby League Park Attendance: 6,031 Referee: Casey Reibelt (Australia) |
9 April Friendly | New Zealand ![]() | 0–0 | ![]() | Christchurch, New Zealand |
19:00 UTC+12 | Report | Stadium: Rugby League Park Attendance: 3,503 Referee: Rebecca Durcau (Australia) |
31 May Friendly | Japan ![]() | 2–0 | ![]() | Murcia, Spain |
16:00 UTC+2 | Report | Stadium: Estadio Nueva Condomina Referee: Jason Barcelo (Gibraltar) |
3 June Friendly | Japan ![]() | 4–1 | ![]() | Murcia, Spain |
16:00 UTC+2 | Report |
| Stadium: Estadio Nueva Condomina Referee: Jason Barcelo (Gibraltar) |
13 July Friendly | New Zealand ![]() | 1–1 | ![]() | Vichy, France |
17:00 | Report |
| Stadium: Stade Louis Darragon |
25 July Olympics GS | Canada ![]() | 2–1 | ![]() | Saint-Étienne, France |
17:00 | Report |
| Stadium: Stade Geoffroy-Guichard Attendance: 2,674 [14] Referee: Tess Olofsson (Sweden) |
28 July Olympics GS | New Zealand ![]() | 0–2 | ![]() | Décines-Charpieu, France |
17:00 | Report | Stadium: Stade de Lyon Referee: Kim Yu-jeong (South Korea) |
31 July Olympics GS | New Zealand ![]() | 1–2 | ![]() | Décines-Charpieu, France |
21:00 | Taylor ![]() | Report | Katoto ![]() | Stadium: Stade de Lyon Referee: Edina Alves Batista (Brazil) |
Position | Name |
---|---|
Technical director | ![]() |
Head coach | ![]() |
Assistant coach | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | |
Goalkeeping coach | ![]() |
Performance manager | ![]() |
Team manager | ![]() |
Sports scientist | ![]() |
Doctor | ![]() |
Physiotherapist | ![]() |
![]() |
Caps and goals are current as of 3 June 2024 after the match against Japan. [41]
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GK | Victoria Esson | 6 March 1991 | 23 | 0 | ![]() | |
GK | Anna Leat | 26 June 2001 | 18 | 0 | ![]() | |
DF | Mackenzie Barry | 11 April 2001 | 16 | 0 | ![]() | |
DF | CJ Bott | 22 April 1995 | 46 | 3 | ![]() | |
DF | Katie Bowen | 15 April 1994 | 109 | 4 | ![]() | |
DF | Ally Green | 17 August 1998 | 14 | 2 | ![]() | |
DF | Meikayla Moore | 4 June 1996 | 65 | 4 | ![]() | |
DF | Michaela Foster | 9 January 1999 | 18 | 1 | ![]() | |
DF | Rebekah Stott | 17 June 1993 | 102 | 4 | ![]() | |
DF | Kate Taylor | 21 October 2003 | 17 | 1 | ![]() | |
MF | Macey Fraser | 11 July 2002 | 5 | 2 | ![]() | |
MF | Grace Jale | 10 April 1999 | 31 | 9 | ![]() | |
MF | Katie Kitching | 6 September 1998 | 10 | 4 | ![]() | |
MF | Malia Steinmetz | 18 January 1999 | 31 | 0 | ![]() | |
FW | Milly Clegg | 1 November 2005 | 6 | 1 | ![]() | |
FW | Jacqui Hand | 19 February 1999 | 27 | 8 | ![]() | |
FW | Gabi Rennie | 7 July 2001 | 35 | 2 | ![]() | |
FW | Indiah-Paige Riley | 20 December 2001 | 24 | 6 | ![]() |
The following players have been called up within the last 12 months and remain eligible for selection.
†Current New Zealand co-captain
Bold players are still active.
# | Player | Years | Caps | Goals |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ria Percival | 2006– | 166 | 15 |
2 | Ali Riley | 2007– | 159 | 2 |
3 | Betsy Hassett | 2008– | 157 | 16 |
4 | Abby Erceg | 2006–2022 | 146 | 6 |
5 | Annalie Longo | 2006– | 133 | 15 |
6 | Amber Hearn | 2004–2018 | 125 | 54 |
7 | Katie Duncan | 2006–2019 | 124 | 1 |
8 | Hannah Wilkinson | 2010– | 122 | 31 |
9 | Rosie White | 2009–2021 | 111 | 24 |
10 | Katie Bowen | 2011– | 105 | 4 |
# | Player | Years | Goals | Caps |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Amber Hearn (list) | 2004–2018 | 54 | 125 |
2 | Wendy Sharpe | 1980–1995 | 34 | 51 |
Sarah Gregorius | 2010–2020 | 34 | 100 | |
4 | Hannah Wilkinson | 2010– | 31 | 122 |
5 | Rosie White | 2009–2021 | 24 | 111 |
6 | Maureen Jacobson | 1979–1996 | 17 | 53 |
Wendi Henderson | 1987–2007 | 17 | 64 | |
8 | Betsy Hassett | 2008– | 16 | 157 |
9 | Pernille Andersen | 1998 | 15 | 7 |
Annalie Longo | 2006– | 15 | 133 | |
Ria Percival | 2006– | 15 | 166 | |
New Zealand's FIFA Women's World Cup record | Qualification record | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Host | Round | Pos | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Squad | Outcome | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
1991 | ![]() | Group stage | 11th | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 11 | Squad | Qualified | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 28 | 1 | |
1995 | ![]() | Did not qualify | 2nd | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 2 | |||||||||
1999 | ![]() | 2nd | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 41 | 3 | ||||||||||
2003 | ![]() | 2nd | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 29 | 2 | ||||||||||
2007 | ![]() | Group stage | 14th | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 9 | Squad | Qualified | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 1 | |
2011 | ![]() | 12th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | Squad | Qualified | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 50 | 0 | ||
2015 | ![]() | 19th | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | Squad | Qualified | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 0 | ||
2019 | ![]() | 20th | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 5 | Squad | Qualified | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 43 | 0 | ||
2023 | ![]() ![]() | 20th | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Squad | Qualified as co-hosts | ||||||||
2027 | ![]() | To be determined | To be determined | |||||||||||||||
Total | Group stage | 6/10 | 18 | 1 | 4 | 13 | 9 | 35 | 32 | 28 | 0 | 4 | 252 | 9 |
Summer Olympics record | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Host | Round | Pos | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Squad |
1996 | ![]() | Did not qualify | |||||||||
2000 | ![]() | ||||||||||
2004 | ![]() | Did not enter | |||||||||
2008 | ![]() | Group stage | 10th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 7 | −5 | Squad |
2012 | ![]() | Quarter-finals | 8th | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 5 | −2 | Squad |
2016 | ![]() | Group stage | 9th | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 5 | −4 | Squad |
2020 | ![]() | Group stage | 12th | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 10 | −8 | Squad |
2024 | ![]() | Group stage | 10th | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 6 | −4 | Squad |
Total | Quarter-finals | 5/8 | 16 | 2 | 1 | 13 | 10 | 33 | −23 |
OFC Women's Nations Cup record | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Host | Result | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD |
1983 | ![]() | Champions | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 24 | 3 | +21 |
1986 | ![]() | Third place | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
1989 | ![]() | Runners-up | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 1 | +9 |
1991 | ![]() | Champions | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 28 | 1 | +27 |
1994 | ![]() | Runners-up | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 2 | +8 |
1998 | ![]() | Runners-up | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 41 | 3 | +38 |
2003 | ![]() | Runners-up | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 29 | 2 | +27 |
2007 | ![]() | Champions | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 1 | +20 |
2010 | ![]() | Champions | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 50 | 0 | +50 |
2014 | ![]() | Champions | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 0 | +30 |
2018 | ![]() | Champions | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 43 | 0 | +43 |
2022 | ![]() | Did not enter | |||||||
Total | 6 titles | 45 | 37 | 1 | 7 | 289 | 16 | +273 |
AFC Women's Asian Cup record | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Result | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA |
Invitee | ||||||||
![]() | Champions | 1st | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 3 |
Total | 1 title | 1/1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 3 |
The Algarve Cup is an invitational tournament for national teams in women's association football hosted by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF). Held annually in the Algarve region of Portugal since 1994, it is one of the most prestigious and longest-running women's international football events and has been nicknamed the "Mini FIFA Women's World Cup". [43]
![]() | ||||||||
Year | Result | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | GF | GA | GD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2016 | 4th place | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
2020 | 4th place | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | −4 |
Total | 2/27 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 8 | −4 |
The SheBelieves Cup is a global invitational tournament for national teams in women's soccer hosted in the United States.
![]() | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Result | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | GF | GA | GD |
2016 | Did not enter | |||||||
2017 | ||||||||
2018 | ||||||||
2019 | ||||||||
2020 | ||||||||
2021 | ||||||||
2022 | 4th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | −6 |
Total | 1/7 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | −6 |
The Canada women's national soccer team represents Canada in international soccer competitions. They are overseen by the Canadian Soccer Association, the governing body for soccer in Canada.
New Zealand Football is the governing body for the sport of association football in New Zealand. It oversees the seven New Zealand Football federations, as well as the New Zealand men's national football team, the national junior and women's teams, the men's and women's national Leagues New Zealand National League, National Women's League, and a number of tournaments, including the Chatham Cup and Kate Sheppard Cup. A New Zealand team, Wellington Phoenix FC who plays in the Australian A-League also comes under New Zealand Football jurisdiction.
Thomas Dorby Sermanni is a Scottish football manager and former professional player, who mostly works in women's football. He has previously managed the Australia women's national team, the United States women's national team from 2013 to 2014, the Orlando Pride of the National Women's Soccer League from 2016 to 2018, and the New Zealand women's national team from 2018 to 2021.
Wendi Judith Henderson is an association football player who represented New Zealand at international level.
Annalie Antonia Longo is an association football player who plays for Wellington Phoenix in the A-League Women and represents New Zealand at international level. She has played for Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory in the Australian W-League. From her time in the W-League with Melbourne Victory, Longo is dubbed the Kiwi Messi by the fans for her ability on the ball and goalscoring prowess.
Nora Watkins born in Wellington, New Zealand was a former association football player and manager who represented New Zealand at international level.
Bridgette Kate Armstrong, is a member of the Football Ferns, the New Zealand women's national football team.
Hannah Lilian Wilkinson is a New Zealand football player who last played for Melbourne City in the Australian A-League Women and the New Zealand national team.
The Australia women's national soccer team is overseen by the governing body for soccer in Australia, Football Australia, which is currently a member of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the regional ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) since leaving the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) in 2006. The team's official nickname is "the Matildas" ; they were known as the "Female Socceroos" before 1995.
Jitka Klimková is a Czech football coach and former football player. In September 2021 she was appointed head coach of the Football Ferns, the New Zealand women's national football team.
John Herdman is an English professional football manager who is the head coach of Toronto FC in Major League Soccer. He previously served as the head coach of the Canada men's national soccer team.
Anthony David Readings is a pro licence-qualified English football coach, performance specialist and former player who played for A.F.C. Wimbledon and North Shore United. He is currently the Director of Football for Eastern Suburbs AFC and coaches the men's first team in the New Zealand national league. From 2011 to 2017, he was the head coach of the Football Ferns, New Zealand's national women's football team.
Erin Nicole Nayler is a New Zealand professional association football goalkeeper, who played for Bayern Munich of the German Frauen-Bundesliga. She has represented New Zealand at international level.
Meikayla Jean-Maree Moore is a professional footballer who plays as a defender for Glasgow City in the Scottish Women's Premier League and the New Zealand national team.
Paige Therese Satchell is a footballer from New Zealand who plays for the London City Lionesses in the Women's Championship. She has played for the New Zealand national team in the under-17, under-20, and senior levels, including at the 2023 World Cup. She was a traveling reserve for the New Zealand team at the 2016 Summer Olympics and was a squad member for New Zealand at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
The New Zealand women's national football team has represented New Zealand at the FIFA Women's World Cup on six occasions in 1991, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023. New Zealand co-hosted the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup with Australia. They have never advanced beyond the group stage.
Claudia Mary Bunge is a New Zealand footballer who currently plays for HB Køge. She has represented New Zealand at both age group and senior international level.
Gabrielle Rose Rennie is a New Zealand footballer who plays as a forward for Åland United and the New Zealand women's national team. She was part of the New Zealand team in the football competition at the 2020 Summer Olympics. She scored her first international goal on her debut, against Australia at the Olympics in a 2–1 loss.
Jay Joshua Herdman is a New Zealand professional footballer who currently plays for Canadian club Whitecaps FC 2 in MLS Next Pro. He is a youth international for New Zealand.
Simon Eaddy is a former New Zealand footballer who played as a goalkeeper and is the current goalkeeper coach with Toronto FC.
The first head coach of the national women's team was Wellington-based Dave Farrington, who held the role from 1975 to 1979.
Armstrong would also later take the coaching reins of the New Zealand women' side in 1980.
Roy Cox - rated by women's football historian Jeremy Ruane as "the godfather" of the women's game - had a coaching wins ratio of 56% from 1983 to 1987 - and Dave Boardman (1988-94) 55 %.
She later went on to have a hugely successful coaching career at domestic level before taking charge of the national side for a two-match series against Australia in March 1995 – the first woman to hold that position.
Thus four years of frustration ensued, until the appointment in 1995 of a new national coach, Maurice Tillotson.
former captain Wendi Henderson jointly held the role of coach with fellow former international Ali Grant in October 2004
Aged 31, he took over the Football Ferns coaching for two matches against China in 2006.