New Zealand will host Finland at the iconic Eden Park in Auckland on Friday as part of the innovative FIFA Series.
The All Whites are using this friendly to fine-tune their squad and end their poor run of winless streaks ahead of their 2026 World Cup appearance
On the other hand, the visiting Eagle-Owls aim to rediscover their competitive edge before the next Nations League cycle.
Read on for our New Zealand vs Finland predictions and betting tips, and click here to find more betting tips for today.
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New Zealand vs Finland key stats
- New Zealand have struggled for defensive consistency recently, conceding in their last seven international friendlies.
- Finland have shown a preference for high-scoring affairs, with over 2.5 goals being scored in four of their last five outings across all competitions.
- The All Whites have failed to secure a victory in their last seven friendly matches, recording six losses and one draw during that period.
New Zealand vs Finland preview: Home team looking to end winless streak
| New Zealand | vs | Finland |
|---|---|---|
| 85th | FIFA ranking | 75th |
| Kosta Barbarouses (72) | Most caps | Lukas Hradecky (102) |
| Kosta Barbarouses (9) | Most goals | Joel Pohjanpalo (18) |
| 523 | Total caps | 391 |
| 56 | Total goals | 29 |
| 1 | Uncapped players | 4 |
New Zealand enter this fixture with the comfort of knowing their place at the 2026 World Cup is already secured, marking their first appearance in 16 years, yet Darren Bazeley's team is under pressure to perform.
The All Whites sit at 85 in the FIFA rankings and are eager to prove they can compete with European opposition on home soil.
New Zealand have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven games, highlighting a persistent defensive frailty.
Despite the excitement surrounding their upcoming World Cup journey, recent results have been sobering for the home supporters in Auckland.
The hosts are currently navigating a difficult patch in form, having suffered 2-0 defeats to Ecuador and 2-1 to Colombia in their most recent November outings.
Bazeley has called up a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talents, including Portland Timbers defender Finn Surman, to solidify a backline that has looked vulnerable.
However, the absence of star striker Chris Wood due to a knee injury is a significant blow to their offensive threat.
On the other hand, Finland arrive looking to reset after a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign that saw them finish third in their group.
Finland have scored only seven goals in their last five matches across all competitions.
The Eagle-Owls, led by Jacob Friis, are in a transitional phase and are ranked 75th in the FIFA rankings as they prepare for the Nations League group games.
Their recent 4-0 thrashing of Andorra in November showed flashes of the attacking fluidity they are capable of producing.
However, the visitors have struggled for consistency, losing four of their last six matches before that comprehensive win over the minnows.
For Friis, this long-distance trip is a test of his squad's adaptability and mental fortitude under unique environmental conditions.
New Zealand vs Finland form guide & betting tips
| New Zealand | vs | Finland |
|---|---|---|
| L-L-D-L-L | Form | W-L-D-L-W |
| 5 | Goals For | 7 |
| 9 | Goals Against | 9 |
| L-L-D-L-L | All Comps | L-W-L-L-W |
Whispers predicts: New Zealand 2-1 Finland
Finland's recent 4-0 victory over Andorra suggest they have the scoring touch that New Zealand currently lacks at the moment, but we believe the All Whites will nick a win in this encounter.
While the All Whites will be motivated by the home crowd at Eden Park, their record of four losses in their last five games is difficult to ignore.
However, they also have a good home record heading into this game, having won eight of their last 10 home games.
The bookmakers have priced the home side to win at 2.15, reflecting their home advantage despite poor recent form.
A draw is currently valued at 3.10, while an away victory for Finland is priced at 3.10. The odds for over 2.5 goals are set at 2.15, which is an attractive option given Finland's recent history of high-scoring games.
Both teams to score (BTTS) is also a strong proposition at 1.83, and Finland to score at least a goal is at 1.44 odds.
> Home to win at 2.15 | Likelihood: Probable
> Over 2.5 goals at 2.15 | Likelihood: Probable
> Both teams to score at 1.83 | Likelihood: Possible
> Away total goals (Over 0.5) at 1.44 | Likelihood: Possible