# New Zealand and India men's football friendly series

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-zealand-and-india-mens-football-friendly-series
> Updated: 2026-11-09T17:05:02.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3.

New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley announced the All Whites squad for a two-match series against India to be held in Auckland and Christchurch. The roster includes seven Wellington Phoenix players and features the return of Matt Garbett. This series serves as the final matches for Bazeley, whose contract has expired.

In response, Indian head coach Khalid Jamil named a 23-player squad for the international friendlies. The squad includes Bijoy Varghese, Muhammad Suhail, and Liston Colaco, who joined after the SAFF Championship, while Farukh Choudhary, Noufal P. N., and Hmingthanmawia Ralte were released from the SAFF squad to return to Mumbai City FC. Ronney Kharbudon is unavailable due to injury.

The Indian team, often referred to as the Blue Tigers, assembled in Bengaluru for training before traveling to New Zealand. Following their arrival in Auckland, the team began preparations at North Harbour Stadium. Jamil noted that facing a World Cup-playing nation like New Zealand provides a significant test for the team's discipline and improvement.

## Claims

- Khalid Jamil named a 23-player squad for the Indian men's national football team. (reported by 3 sources)
- India will play New Zealand on November 12 at Go Media Stadium in Auckland. (reported by 3 sources)
- India will play New Zealand on November 15 at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch. (reported by 3 sources)
- Bijoy Varghese, Muhammad Suhail, and Liston Colaco will join the New Zealand-bound squad from the SAFF Championship 2026 squad. (reported by 3 sources)
- Farukh Choudhary, Noufal P. N., and Hmingthanmawia Ralte were released from the SAFF Championship squad to return to Mumbai City FC. (reported by 3 sources)
- Ronney Kharbudon will not travel to Dhaka due to an injury. (reported by 3 sources)
- The squad will assemble in Bengaluru on Saturday. (reported by 3 sources)
- New Zealand is a World Cup-playing nation. (reported by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-11-09: Indian men's football team arrives in Auckland for New Zealand series

The Indian men's football team has arrived in Auckland to begin preparations for two international friendly matches against New Zealand.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indian-mens-football-team-arrives-in-auckland-for-new-zealand-series

### 2026-11-06: India men's football squad named for New Zealand friendlies

India head coach Khalid Jamil has announced a 23-player squad for two FIFA international friendlies against New Zealand in November.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-mens-football-squad-named-for-new-zealand-friendlies

### 2026-11-02: New Zealand All Whites name squad for series against India

New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley has named the All Whites squad for an upcoming two-match series against India, featuring several Wellington Phoenix players.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-zealand-all-whites-name-squad-for-series-against-india

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Cite as: New Zealand and India men's football friendly series. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-zealand-and-india-mens-football-friendly-series