The All Whites have announced they will take part in a four-team tournament in India next month.
Fritz Schmid's team will take on hosts India, Chinese Taipei/Taiwan and a yet-to-be-announced African nation from June 1 to 10 in Mumbai.
Currently sitting at 133rd on the FIFA world rankings, the Intercontinental Cup will provide a stern challenge for New Zealand as their two confirmed opponents are both ranked higher. India is 97th and Chinese Taipei/Taiwan 121st.
The All Whites have played India once before, a 0-0 draw in a friendly in Kuala Lumpur in 1981. They have played Chinese Taipei/Taiwan on 12 occasions and are yet to lose, notching ten wins and two draws.
New Zealand Football Technical Director Andreas Heraf says the Intercontinental Cup will provide the All Whites with a chance to continue putting strong foundations in place as they build towards qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
"It was exciting to see the team return to action in March for the first time since the Intercontinental Playoff against Peru and we are looking forward to seeing what can be achieved with our new coach at the helm," he says.
"This tournament will be invaluable for Fritz as he looks to put a team together capable of competing with the best in the world and making it all the way to Qatar."
Newshub.
