Ferns Set to Face Costa Rica in February 2025

The Ford Football Ferns are set to begin their journey toward the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 with a pair of international fixtures against Costa Rica (FIFA rank 43) in February 2025. These matches, marking the start of a new cycle for the team, will be held in San José, Costa Rica.

The first match is scheduled for Sunday, 23 February, at 1 PM NZT (Saturday, 22 February, at 6 PM local time). The second game will take place on Wednesday, 26 February, at 11 AM NZT (Tuesday, 25 February, at 4 PM local time). Both fixtures will be played at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto in Alajuela, San José.

Building Momentum for a New Era

These games mark the first-ever senior international meeting between the two nations. New Zealand Football is also working to finalize additional matches during the FIFA international windows in April and June 2025, emphasizing the importance of consistent preparation.

The team will be led by interim head coach Michael Mayne, with the recruitment process for a permanent head coach set to begin in early 2025. Mayne expressed enthusiasm about laying the groundwork for the Ferns’ future:

“It is great to announce these fixtures and kick off a new cycle for the team. What we have at this point, and will use to our advantage, is time to set our intentions and expectations as a team, focusing on preparing to perform in the qualifying tournament and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.”

A Test of Talent and Teamwork

Mayne emphasized the importance of using these matches to provide valuable international experience for the Ferns’ expanding talent pool.

“The past couple of months have centered on understanding where we are and what we should focus on, starting in February against Costa Rica. Costa Rica are a really good fit for us in this window and will provide the perfect test for what I need to see from the players and staff as we embark on this new cycle,” he said.

These fixtures will serve as an opportunity for the Ferns to set the tone for their World Cup campaign while refining their strategies and building team cohesion.

Watch Live on FIFA+

Both games will be broadcast live and free on FIFA+, ensuring fans worldwide can follow the action as the Ford Football Ferns take their first steps toward the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.