Football Ferns to face Panama in October international series

The Football Ferns will play a two-match international series against Panama in October as part of their preparations for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. The matches are scheduled for Sunday, 11 October, and Wednesday, 14 October, at the Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez in Panama City.

This series marks the first senior women’s international encounter between New Zealand and Panama. Head coach Michael Mayne emphasized the importance of the tour, noting that competing in a Latin American environment provides unique playing conditions and match atmospheres that are difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Panama enters the series in strong form, having won six of their last ten matches, including a victory over Australia's Matildas. New Zealand, currently ranked 33rd, will face the 56th-ranked Panamanian side to maximize their preparation windows before the final World Cup squad is named.