All Whites to play Australia for Soccer Ashes in September

Monday, 23 June 2025

100 year-old Soccer Ashes trophy rediscovered.

The All Whites will reignite their long-standing rivalry with the Socceroos in September, contesting the Soccer Ashes trophy over two matches played in Australia and New Zealand.

The opening match is scheduled for Friday, September 5 at GIO Stadium in Canberra, with kickoff at 9.45pm NZT. The second leg will take place on Tuesday, September 9 at Go Media Stadium in Auckland, home of A-League Men’s Premiers Auckland FC, starting at 7pm.

The Soccer Ashes, created in 1923, contain the ashes of cigars smoked by captains Alex Gibb and George Campbell after the first Australia-New Zealand football match.

All White Chris Wood in action against Australia.

Housed in a silver-plated razor case carried at Gallipoli, the trophy symbolises Anzac unity and sporting rivalry. It was revived in 2023 after being lost for decades, with the Socceroos winning 2-0 in London.

All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley said: “Any opportunity to play Australia is special and this series is something I know the team are really excited about. To play for a historic trophy and national pride brings an extra element to these games.”

Premier League player Chris Wood is keen to bring his family back to New Zealand for the last year of his career. Paddy asks: would he play for the Phoenix or Auckland FC?

He added: “It is also ideal preparation for the FIFA World Cup with both teams now confirmed to be at the tournament next year.”

The All Whites head into the series in good form, recently finishing second at the Canadian Shield in Toronto, including a landmark victory over African champions Côte d'Ivoire.

All Whites – key dates on road to FIFA World Cup

September 5-9: Home-and-away matches v Australia

October 6-14: Matches v Poland and Norway in Europe (Poland match to be confirmed)

November 10–18: Two matches in North America, likely against South American opposition

December: FIFA World Cup draw