Indian Football Team Arrives in Auckland for Friendlies Against New Zealand

The Indian men's national football team has arrived in Auckland for their first-ever matches against New Zealand. After a long journey from Bengaluru, the team is set to engage in two international friendlies. Head coach Khalid Jamil expressed optimism about the players' readiness and the importance of community support. The matches will be a significant test for the Blue Tigers as they prepare to face a strong opponent away from home. Fans can look forward to the opening match on November 12, followed by another in Christchurch on November 15.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 9, 2026, 23:43 IST

Arrival in New Zealand

The Indian men's national football team touched down in Auckland late Monday night, gearing up for two international friendly matches against New Zealand.

Historic Visit

This trip marks the first occasion the Blue Tigers have visited New Zealand, referred to as Aotearoa in the Maori language, as noted by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Journey Details

Departing from Bengaluru around midnight on November 8, the team made a brief stop in Kuala Lumpur before continuing to Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand. They arrived at 23:30 local time (16:00 IST), completing a lengthy journey across multiple time zones.

Auckland's Evening Weather

The team was welcomed by a cool late-spring evening in Auckland, with temperatures hovering around 16 degrees Celsius and light rain during their transfer from the airport to their hotel. Despite the late hour, the city felt tranquil with clear roads, while the players remained lively and engaged on the bus, showing no signs of exhaustion as they focused on the upcoming matches.

Coach's Remarks

Head coach Khalid Jamil expressed satisfaction with the journey, stating, “The flight was smooth, and the players are fit and ready. We have settled in well. This is the first time the Indian team has come to New Zealand, so it is a new experience for us. We are looking forward to the matches.”

He added, “The weather is not a problem. The players are adjusting well, and we will focus on our training and preparation.”

Training Schedule

The Blue Tigers will kick off their training regimen in New Zealand with an activation session on Tuesday morning, followed by an evening practice at North Harbour Stadium at 16:00 local time. They will also train at the match venue, Go Media Stadium, at 19:00 the day before their first match.

Previous Encounters

India last faced New Zealand during the 2018 Intercontinental Cup in Mumbai, where they lost 1-2, although they ultimately won the tournament. This upcoming series will be only the second time these two teams have met this century, with their first encounter dating back to the 1981 Merdeka Tournament in Malaysia, which ended in a 0-0 draw.

Appeal for Support

Jamil acknowledged the strength of the New Zealand team and the challenges of playing away from home, urging the Indian community in New Zealand to come out and support the team. “I know there are many Indian fans here in New Zealand. I would request them to come to the stadium and support the team. Their support is important for us, and we will try to give our best on the pitch,” he said.

He further noted, “Last window, we played against three strong teams, and now we have another strong opponent in New Zealand. But this time, we are playing away from home, so it will be a different kind of test for us. We have to be ready, work hard and give our best in both matches.”

Match Schedule

The first match is set to kick off at 19:10 local time (11:40 IST) on Thursday, November 12. Following this, the Blue Tigers will head to Christchurch on November 13 for their second friendly against the All Whites at One New Zealand Stadium on Sunday, November 15, at 16:10 local time (08:40 IST).