Following their successful qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 last month, the Ford Football Ferns have announced their initial matches in preparation for the tournament. The team will square off against Haiti, currently ranked 49th by FIFA, and Morocco, ranked 62nd, in a pair of international fixtures scheduled for June in Malaga, Spain. The first match against Haiti is set for Saturday, June 6th, at 4 AM NZT (which corresponds to Friday, June 5th, at 6 PM local time). Subsequently, the Ferns will face Morocco on Wednesday, June 10th, also kicking off at 4 AM NZT (Tuesday, June 9th, at 6 PM local time). Both encounters will take place at the Nuevo Estadio El Maulí, marking a significant milestone as it will be the first time the Ford Football Ferns compete against either of these nations at the senior international level.
These matches represent an invaluable opportunity for the Ford Football Ferns to evaluate their squad against teams that have recently participated in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. Morocco made an impressive run to the round of 16, while Haiti showcased commendable performances, including a narrow 1-0 defeat to the eventual runners-up, England. Head coach Michael Mayne emphasized the importance of these fixtures, stating, "It was great to get the job done at home last month and secure our place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, but we know that was just the first of many objectives for the team in this campaign." He further highlighted the necessity of these matches in testing the team against diverse opponents, which is crucial as they aim to refine their strategy ahead of the tournament.
Mayne reflected on the progress made thus far, noting the team's commitment to their new playing style and the high standards being upheld by the players. He acknowledged that while improvement is still needed as they build towards the tournament, facing teams like Haiti and Morocco will provide the necessary challenges at this stage of their preparation. With their sights firmly set on Brazil 2027, the Ferns are eager to use the upcoming year to solidify their squad and enhance their competitiveness on the international stage.
As reported by nzfootball.co.nz.
