Football: NZ women to play Mexico, Philippines in preparation for Football World Cup

The Football Ferns will play Mexico and the Philippines, as they continue their preparations for the Football World Cup in 2023.

The Football Ferns will take on Mexico on September 3 and Philippines on September 7, with both matches played in California, USA.

With an eye on the World Cup draw in October, Ferns coach Jitka Klimková believes the matches will provide an ideal opportunity to prepare for a range of playing styles.

"Mexico have a good balance between possession and transition, and are very organised in defence," she said.

"They are very technical, creative and good on the flanks with their combinations. On attack, they're always looking to put the crosses into the opposition box, so we will be prepared for how we know Mexico has historically played.

"I know they had a tough time at the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship and didn't get the results they were after, but Mexico is a team that can surprise anybody."

New Zealand have played 36th-ranked Mexico four times, with their first clash played at the 2011 Cyprus Cup and their last - a 2-1 win - in 2019.

But their game against the Philippines will be the first between the two nations, with their opponents claiming the recent AFF Women's Championship.

"Philippines play a little bit differently - they don't have a traditional style of play like South Korea, Japan or China,"  Klimková said. "We will study them and prepare our players to respond to the challenge."