New Zealand Futsal Enters Bold New Era

The 2025 Ford Futsal SuperLeague is poised to make history, with organizers announcing a groundbreaking expansion of New Zealand’s premier domestic competition. Set to kick off on 9 February, the three-month season will feature  120 matches—the largest fixture list in the league’s history—as the men’s and women’s divisions grow to eight teams each.

Women’s League Takes Center Stage
In a landmark move for gender equity in New Zealand sports, the women’s Ford Futsal SuperLeague will now mirror the men’s structure. The expansion introduces Hawke’s Bay Futsal as a debutant, while WaiBOP Power splits into two regionally focused squads: Waikato Rapids and Bay of Plenty Surge. This restructuring reflects surging participation in women’s futsal, amplified by the Futsal Ferns’ upcoming debut at the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup in 2025.

“This isn’t just growth—it’s a statement,” said a league spokesperson. “Aligning the men’s and women’s formats ensures equal visibility and resources, building on the momentum from the Futsal Whites’ 2024 FIFA World Cup campaign.”

2025 Team Lineups: A National Battle
Men’s Division: Reigning champions Waikato Rapids face fierce competition from seven rivals, including traditional powerhouses Auckland City FC and Canterbury United Dragons and newcomers Hawke’s Bay Futsal.

Women’s Division: Defending titleholders Capital Futsal will contend with revamped rosters like Bay of Plenty Surge and Papakura City, a club known for nurturing young talent.

World Cup Momentum Fuels Domestic Growth
New Zealand’s rising futsal profile received a global boost in 2024, with the Futsal Whites competing at their first FIFA Futsal World Cup. The 2025 season capitalizes on this momentum, with the league’s expanded structure providing a critical pathway for athletes eyeing future World Cup squads.

Fixtures Span the Nation
Fans nationwide can catch matches in seven hubs: Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Kirikiriroa Hamilton, Ōtepoti Dunedin, and more. The full schedule, available on the Ford Futsal Super League website, promises regional rivalries and must-watch clashes.

Broadcast Breakthrough: FIFA+ to Stream Multiple Courts
For the first time, fans can watch simultaneous livestreams of matches via FIFA’s digital platform, FIFA+. While the broadcast schedule remains under wraps, the partnership ensures unprecedented access to a sport rapidly outgrowing its niche status.

The Bottom Line
With expanded teams, gender parity, and tech-driven visibility, the 2025 Ford Futsal SuperLeague is more than a tournament—it’s a catalyst for New Zealand’s futsal revolution. As the Futsal Ferns prepare for their World Cup debut, this season could redefine the game’s future at home and abroad.

Stay tuned to Pitchside HQ for live updates, expert analysis, and exclusive interviews throughout the season.