The All Whites have broken a long drought with a win over China, and now they are hungry for more. After months of tough fixtures against higher-ranked teams, the squad has set a new standard for themselves, and the Kirin Cup in Japan is the perfect stage to prove it.
New Zealand has not secured back-to-back wins against non-Oceania opposition since 2021, a year that saw them triumph over Curacao, Bahrain, and The Gambia. Now, with an expanded international window, the team has drawn against Palestine, beaten China, and has a golden opportunity to extend their unbeaten run against Panama on Thursday night.
Why This Match Matters for the All Whites
Panama, ranked 46th in the world, presents a formidable challenge for the All Whites, who have climbed to 85th. Both teams had similar 2026 World Cup campaigns, exiting at the group stage, but with a key difference: New Zealand scored four goals and earned a draw, while Panama lost all their games without finding the net.
This year's form tells a similar story. Panama has two wins, four draws, and five losses in 11 games, while the All Whites have two wins, two draws, and five losses in nine. The margins are tight, but the momentum is shifting.
Coach Bazeley's Vision: Progress Through Challenge
Coach Darren Bazeley is clear about the mission. After the China win, he praised the team's