All White Elijah Just Photo: Joshua Devenie
Less than three weeks before the Football World Cup draw is announced the All Whites will face two top-25 ranked sides as they build towards the global tournament.
The All Whites' final two opponents of the year will be Colombia (ranked no. 14) on 16 November followed by the 25th ranked Ecuador three days later.
The 82nd ranked New Zealand will face the South American sides in USA, in Florida and New Jersey respectively, which is one of the host nations for next year's world cup.
Both opponents are in good form with Colombia defeating Venezuela 6-3, and Ecuador claiming a shock 1-0 win over world champions Argentina, this month in world cup qualifying.
The games continue the All Whites strategy of facing top 40 ranked sides to prepare the team for what they may face at the world cup, and follow matches against Poland (ranked 37th) and Norway (33) in October.
"These are two really top level opponents to end a big 2025 for the team, but these are the challenges we need so we can be ready for the FIFA World Cup next year" head coach Darren Bazeley said.
"Before the world cup we want to know we have faced a range of opponents and styles, so playing two big South American sides, after two strong European teams in October, is great preparation.
"We had a good breakthrough with the win over Côte d'Ivoire in June, and then put in strong performances, especially in the first game, against Australia this month, even though we didn't get the result, so our remaining four games will again test us but that is what we want.
"After games in Canada in June, two matches in the USA again gives us the opportunity to get used to playing in a host country which could be really beneficial come next year.
"It's going to be an exciting end to the year and with the FIFA World Cup 26 draw on 6 December, the momentum is really building."
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