The All Whites will take on India at One New Zealand Stadium in November, the first football match announced at Christchurch’s new venue.

The Sunday 15 November fixture is part of a two match series against India, with the opening game at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium on Thursday 12 November, following the national side’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in North America.

The games were announced by Sports Minister Mark Mitchell during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to New Zealand, and form part of a series of sporting events celebrating 100 Years of Unity Through Sport between the two nations.

New Zealand Football Chief Executive Andrew Pragnell said bringing the national side south was always the plan.

“We have long stated that once the stadium was open, it was an absolute priority to bring the All Whites back to Christchurch, so it is great to be able to confirm this game, as well as the match in Auckland.”

He said the city had played, and continued to play, a really important role in football in Aotearoa, “from producing legends like Steve Sumner and Ryan Nelsen right through to the next generation of our teams, with players like Kate Taylor, Finn Surman, and Joe Bell.”

Christchurch has hosted the Ford Football Ferns on a number of occasions in recent years and served as a base camp for Japan during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. Pragnell said the city would also play a major role in future A-League expansion, a strategic priority for New Zealand Football.

“One New Zealand Stadium is an incredible facility, so it is going to be amazing to see it packed with thousands of Cantabrians supporting the team.”

All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley said the support in North America meant a huge amount to the team, “so it is great to bring the players home for two big games in front of Kiwi crowds.”

“We have strived to play a style of football that excites the millions of football fans across the country, so it is going to be great to close out the year with two fixtures in Auckland and at the brand new stadium in Christchurch.”

The All Whites have faced India twice before, drawing 0-0 in 1981 and winning 2-1 in 2018.

Tickets go on presale to New Zealand Football’s Football Whānau on Monday 20 July, with general sale starting on Wednesday 22 July. Fans can sign up for exclusive access at nzfootball.co.nz.

The matches will be the final All Whites fixtures of 2026, following games still to be announced for the September and October FIFA window, and the ninth and tenth home fixtures of the current four year cycle, after matches in Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington.