India travel to Auckland for FIFA friendly against New Zealand on 12 November 2026
India will face New Zealand in a FIFA international friendly at the Go Media Stadium in Auckland on Thursday, 12 November 2026, the first of two designated friendlies between the sides. Kick-off is scheduled for 11:30 AM IST and the match will be streamed on FIFA+ via DAZN.com and the DAZN app.
India arrive for the fixture fresh from SAFF Championship 2026 group-stage victories, having beaten Pakistan 3-2 on 8 November and Maldives 1-0 on 11 November to secure a place in the semi-finals. The Blue Tigers continue a recent pattern of high-profile friendlies, having faced Panama, Brazil and Uruguay in the previous international window. A training-day post capturing the camp in New Zealand stated: "Getting a feel for Auckland. Day 1 of training in 🇳🇿#NZLIND #BlueTigers #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/wjos8zoiNv".
Khalid Jamil will lead India without centre-back Anwar Ali, who has been omitted from the squad because of an injury, and several experienced players have been left out for the trip, including Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Rahul Bheke and Sandesh Jhingan. The named Indian contingent includes Vishal Kaith (GK), Abhishek Singh, Bijoy Varghese, Pramveer Singh, Akash Mishra, Anirudh Thapa, Lalremtluana Fanai, Muhammed Suhail, Jithin MS, Ryan Williams and Manvir Singh.
New Zealand coach Andrew Boyens has selected a squad that includes veteran striker Chris Wood and several players who have been handed first senior call-ups, namely Corban Piper, Matthew Sheridan and Nathan Walker. The All Whites enter the friendly on mixed form, having won two of their last 10 matches, and having lost two of three games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in which they conceded 10 goals.
Ryan Williams is singled out as a key attacking option for India after being a notable outlet in recent friendlies against Panama, Brazil and Uruguay; he has recorded two goal contributions (one goal, one assist) in four 2026-27 Indian Super League matches so far this season. The preview notes Williams must be sharp in off-the-ball movement, link play and final passes to help India create scoring opportunities against New Zealand.
Chris Wood’s preview profile records that the 34-year-old has scored 45 goals for New Zealand at international level and has logged 111 minutes in the Premier League for Nottingham Forest this season. The article states Wood will look to use his physical presence to win duels, create chances for teammates and find finishing positions to help the All Whites.
The friendly at Go Media Stadium on 12 November is one of India’s remaining fixtures in 2026 and will serve as the first of two matches between the nations; fans can watch live on FIFA+ via DAZN.com and the DAZN app.