New Zealand U-20 to Face Chile in Closed-Door Friendly Ahead of FIFA World Cup

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — New Zealand’s U-20 men’s national team will kick off a two-match series against Chile on Thursday, June 5, in a behind-closed-doors fixture at Complejo Deportivo Quilín in Santiago. The match, scheduled for 7:30 a.m. NZT, will not be streamed, the Football Federation of Chile confirmed.

The second friendly, set for Sunday (NZT), will be open to the public and broadcast on Chilevisión, though no global streaming plans have been announced via FIFA+.

Both teams are using the series as a crucial warm-up for the 2025 FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup, hosted by Chile later this year.

New Zealand Squad: Youth and Experience Blend

Head coach Chris Greenacre named a 21-player squad, featuring 12 domestically based players and nine overseas talents from Australia, Croatia, England, and the United States.

Notable inclusions:

• Luke Brooke-Smith (16) – Wellington Phoenix’s youngest call-up after a breakout season.

• Seven Phoenix players – Highlighting the club’s strong youth development.

• Five Auckland FC representatives – Reflecting the new A-League side’s impact.

• Four debutants – Harry Casci, James Mitchell, Troy Putt, and Jayden Smith.

Chile’s Homegrown Focus

In contrast, Chile’s squad includes only four foreign-based players, with the majority drawn from domestic clubs like Colo-Colo, Universidad Católica, and Huachipato.

Key names:

• Damian Pizarro (Udinese, Italy) – A rising star in Serie A.

• Willy Chatiliez (SD Huesca, Spain) – Bringing European experience.

Match Details & Broader Implications

While Thursday’s match remains closed to fans and media, Sunday’s game offers a glimpse into both teams’ World Cup readiness. New Zealand’s mix of local and diaspora talent will test Chile’s cohesive, homegrown core.