In what will be the first-ever meeting between the two nations, New Zealand and Ivory Coast square off this weekend in the opening round of the inaugural Canadian Shield Tournament, with both sides keen to stretch their respective winning runs.
The All Whites arrive on the back of six consecutive victories, while the Elephants are aiming to make it three in a row.
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New Zealand vs Ivory Coast prediction: Oceanians face stern African test
Key stats
- Ivory Coast have led at half-time in their last two matches.
- New Zealand have found the net in each of their last seven games.
- Ivory Coast have scored in all of their last five matches
- The All Whites are winless in their last three fixtures against African sides.
Correct score prediction: New Zealand 1-2 Ivory Coast
The predicted scoreline mirrors the recent form and profiles of both teams, with New Zealand arriving in fine spirits but now set to face one of their sternest challenges in recent memory against a side of superior quality.
Although both nations have shown sharpness in front of goal of late, the Elephants are expected to edge it, with their greater depth and experience likely to prove decisive.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Higher-ranked Elephants backed by bookies
- HOME: 3/1 (4.00) – 25%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.41%
- AWAY: 10/11 (1.90) – 52.36%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The bookmakers have given New Zealand a 25% chance of winning, which comes as little surprise given the gulf in rankings – the Oceanians sit 45 places below Ivory Coast in the FIFA standings.
The Elephants, currently ranked 41st in the world, enter this encounter with an implied win probability of 52.36%, underlining their status as favourites.
Also, feel free to check out our Football Betting Tips Today page for more predictions and odds.
Most recent H2Hs: A first-time face-off
This weekend’s match marks the maiden senior-level meeting between the two sides.
New Zealand preview: Wood spearheads familiar squad
The All Whites last featured in March, defeating Fiji 7-0 and New Caledonia 3-0 to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Manager Darren Bazeley has made minimal changes to that squad, with Tyler Bindon of Northampton Town, Burton goalkeeper Max Crocombe and NAC Breda midfielder Matthew Garbett all retained.
Leading the line is talismanic striker Chris Wood, fresh from a standout ‘2024'-25 Premier League campaign in which he netted 20 times for Nottingham Forest – his presence adds firepower and belief.
Predicted lineup: Crocombe (GK); Cacace, Bindon, De Vries, Bell; Singh, Stamenic, Garbett; McCowatt, Wood & Singh
Oceania - World Cup Qualifying 24/03/25
W
New Caledonia
0
New Zealand
3
Oceania - World Cup Qualifying 21/03/25
W
Fiji
0
New Zealand
7
Oceania - World Cup Qualifying 18/11/24
W
Samoa
0
New Zealand
8
Oceania - World Cup Qualifying 15/11/24
W
Vanuatu
1
New Zealand
8
International Match 14/10/24
W
Malaysia
0
New Zealand
4
Ivory Coast preview: Diallo’s surprise withdrawal
Emerse Fae’s men edged Burundi and Gambia with identical 1-0 results in March, which put them top of Group F in the World Cup qualifiers – one point clear of Gabon.
Although Amad Diallo was initially named in the squad after recovering from injury, the Manchester United winger has since withdrawn, with the Ivorian Football Federation confirming his absence without disclosing further details.
Predicted lineup: Fofana (GK), Singo, Gbamin, Kossounou, Operi, Sangare, Kessie, Pepe, M. Diomande, Adingra & Haller
Africa - World Cup Qualifying 24/03/25
W
Gambia
0
Ivory Coast
1
Africa - World Cup Qualifying 21/03/25
W
Burundi
0
Ivory Coast
1
African Nations C'ship Qualifying 22/12/24
W
Burkina Faso
0
Ivory Coast
2
International Match 15/12/24
W
Guinea
1
Ivory Coast
4
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 19/11/24
W
Chad
0
Ivory Coast
4
Player to Watch: Chris Wood
With 20 Premier League goals from 36 matches in ‘2024'-25, Chris Wood arrives in top-flight form and will be the focal point for the All Whites once again.
The 33-year-old has also struck 10 times in his last six appearances for New Zealand, underlining why he remains the most potent threat to Ivory Coast’s defensive line.