Darren Bazeley Sets New Zealand Haiti Test in World Cup Schedule
New Zealand’s world cup schedule now includes Haiti in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday June 3, 2026 (NZT), with the All Whites opening their Florida tune-up against a side ranked close to them. Darren Bazeley called it a perfect test as New Zealand finish their final build-up before the FIFA Men’s World Cup.
Haiti at Chase Stadium
The match will be played at Chase Stadium and will kick off at 12pm (NZT). It will be the first time New Zealand have faced Haiti, and the pair sit close together in the FIFA men’s world rankings, with Haiti at #83 and New Zealand at #85.
Haiti’s place in the tournament picture adds another layer to the meeting. They are appearing at their first World Cup in 52 years, so New Zealand get a side with a different kind of pressure and a direct route into a competitive setting before the tournament begins.
Bazeley Locks In Florida
Bazeley said, “Since the draw, we have been working to lock in two games against fellow FIFA World Cup opposition to put us in the best place to perform at the tournament, and the combination of facing Haiti and England, both in Florida, is something we feel does exactly that”. He also said, “Having both games in Florida is hugely beneficial as it means we don’t lose any of our preparation time with travel days, and the players can properly rest and recover between matches.”
That schedule is now fixed around two games in one state. The All Whites will face England four days after Haiti, on Sunday June 7, 2026 (NZT), at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, with kickoff at 8am (NZT).
New Zealand Squad Timeline
After the Florida games, New Zealand will travel to San Diego, their official team base camp for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Bazeley said, “It is great to finally confirm the full schedule, and I know that the staff and the players can’t wait to get on the plane and get going.”
The next roster marker comes in mid-May, when the 26 players in the New Zealand World Cup squad will be named. Until then, the Florida matches give Bazeley and his staff a final chance to settle the group before the tournament shifts to San Diego and then to Los Angeles for the opener against Iran.
