Sport

All Whites kick-off 2024 with four-team tournament

08:21 am on 9 January 2024

All Whites midfielder Sarpreet Singh in action against the Republic of Ireland, 2023. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The All Whites will play a four team tournament alongside Croatia, Egypt and Tunisia in March.

The tournament, called the W Cup, is in the United Arab Emirates and each team will play two games; an opening match and then either the final or third place playoff.

The draw for the cup will be made shortly as well as an announcement on further competition details including match locations, kick-off times and tournament sponsors.

All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley sees the tournament as a perfect start to a big year of football for his side:

"The focus for the team this year is FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, but should we get there, tournament experience against higher ranked teams will be critical.

"To start 2024 with games against some of the top sides in the world, in a tournament environment, is a great opportunity to continue to test and learn about ourselves playing against opposition of this level.

"We ended 2023 with a great performance and I know the whole squad can't wait to get going in 2024."