Key Highlights
- Colombia and New Zealand play an amistoso on November 15, 2025, at the Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
- The match is part of Colombia’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
- Colombia starts with a 1-0 lead through Gustavo Puerta’s goal.
- New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley has led his team to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after winning the OFC Nations Cup in 2024.
Colombia – New Zealand: A Preparatory Clash
The South American powerhouse, Colombia, faced off against their Oceania counterparts, New Zealand, on November 15, 2025, in a highly anticipated friendly match at the Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. This encounter was one of several preparatory games designed to fine-tune the Colombian squad ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Match Overview
The first half saw Colombia taking an early lead with Gustavo Puerta scoring a spectacular goal after a well-executed counterattack. Luis Díaz’s precise pass set up Santiago Arias, who then found Gustavo Puerta for the opening goal in the third minute of play.
Colombian Team Line-Up
The Colombian team fielded an experienced lineup including key players such as Gustavo Puerta and James Rodríguez. Néstor Lorenzo, the head coach, positioned the team to showcase their tactical prowess while also integrating new faces like Jhon Arias and Jhon Córdoba into the squad.
Preparatory Goals
Néstor Lorenzo emphasized the importance of these matches in his post-game interview: “These are crucial games as we gear up for the World Cup. We aim to maintain our intensity and consistency, ensuring every player is on point.” The coach highlighted that these matches serve not only as a preparation tool but also as an opportunity to test different formations and strategies.
New Zealand’s Quest
New Zealand, led by their head coach Darren Bazeley, arrived in the United States with high hopes. Their recent victory in the OFC Nations Cup in 2024 marked a significant achievement for the All Whites, who are now aiming to make a stronger showing at the World Cup compared to previous performances.
Future Outlook
The match between Colombia and New Zealand is part of a series designed to prepare both teams for their respective roles in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. Both nations will be looking to build momentum heading into the tournament, with Colombia aiming to retain their status as one of South America’s strongest contenders.
As these amistosos continue, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how both teams perform under pressure, making this clash an important milestone in each nation’s journey towards the World Cup.
