New Zealand vs Ivory Coast

In an unprecedented clash, New Zealand and Ivory Coast will meet for the first time in a friendly match at BMO Field, as part of the Canadian Shield Tournament. This invitational event includes four teams, each playing two games, with the top-performing side claiming the title, making a strong opening performance vital.

New Zealand enters the match in top form, boasting an impressive streak of six straight victories across various competitions. Under coach Darren Bazeley, the All Whites have been prolific, scoring 33 goals while conceding just one during this run.

Their dominant performances include five World Cup qualifying matches and a resounding 4-0 friendly win against Malaysia. In their latest outings during the March international window, they crushed Fiji 7-0 and defeated New Caledonia 3-0, securing Oceania’s only berth for the 2026 World Cup. Ranked 86th globally, New Zealand now faces a formidable challenge against Ivory Coast, who sit 45 places higher in the FIFA rankings.

The All Whites also aim to reverse their recent struggles against African teams, having failed to win their last three encounters, including a draw with DR Congo, a 1-0 loss to Egypt, and a penalty shootout defeat to Tunisia.

Ivory Coast, meanwhile, is riding a wave of renewed confidence under coach Emerse Fae, who transformed the team’s fortunes during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Taking charge after a near-disastrous group stage, highlighted by a 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea at home, Fae guided the Elephants to an improbable title triumph, defeating Nigeria in the final.

Since then, the West African side has maintained solid form, winning 10 of their last 15 matches across all competitions, with two draws and three losses. They’ve also secured qualification for the 2026 AFCON in Morocco and lead Group F in their World Cup qualifying campaign, following consecutive 1-0 victories against Burundi and Gambia.

With a one-point lead over Gabon and four matches remaining, the Canadian Shield Tournament offers Ivory Coast a chance to build momentum for the critical final phase of World Cup qualifying.