NZ Football Eyes Gold Cup Berth & Asian League

New Zealand Football (NZF) is pursuing ambitious international goals, including potential participation in the Gold Cup next year. NZF chief executive officer, Pragnell, confirmed exploratory conversations with Fifa president Gianni Infantino, who indicated Fifa's willingness to support such endeavors. This initiative aligns with Fifa's broader strategy of favoring cross-confederation approaches in football development.

Furthermore, NZF is examining the feasibility of joining a proposed Asian Nations League, drawing inspiration from the successful European model. Pragnell emphasized the importance of engaging with other confederations to maximize football's potential, noting Fifa's support for such international collaborations.

Concurrently, NZF is conducting a thorough review of the All Whites' performance during their recent World Cup campaign. This review, involving interviews with players and staff, is slated for completion in November and will be facilitated by a High Performance Sport New Zealand adviser. The findings are expected to guide recommendations for future campaign planning.

The All Whites are scheduled to play international matches in upcoming windows. Two to four games are planned between September 21 and October 6, with further internationals tentatively scheduled for November 9-17, potentially on home soil. NZF is considering all available options for these fixtures.