Following an impressive run to the quarter-finals at Tokyo 2020, New Zealand have their sights set on advancing even further at this year’s Men’s Olympic Football Tournament.

Darren Bazeley’s dynamic side secured their spot at Paris 2024 in style, sweeping all before them in the OFC qualifying competition. Several of the players expected to feature in France have already gained significant senior national team experience.

New Zealand’s Group A fixtures
All kick offs in local time

Wednesday, 24 July
Guinea v New Zealand | 17:00 | Stade de Nice

Saturday, 27 July
New Zealand v USA | 19:00 | Stade de Marseille

Tuesday, 30 July
New Zealand v France | 19:00 | Stade de Marseille

View the full match schedule
The coach: Darren Bazeley
A former England U-21 international, Bazeley concluded his playing days in New Zealand and has forged his coaching career in his adopted country. He has led the national team’s U-17 and U-20 sides, and last year was promoted to the position of senior All Whites head coach. Bazeley combines that role with leading the Olympic team and, in an exclusive interview with FIFA, declared his belief New Zealand can compete for a medal at Paris 2024.

“It’s going to be a really big challenge but, on our day, we’re a very good team,” he said. “If it all comes together at the right time, I’m a big believer anything can happen. Having grown up watching the Olympics, can you imagine what it would be like to win a medal? That potential is amazing.”

Olympics history
Previous participations: 3 (Beijing 2008, London 2012, Tokyo 2020)
Best result: Quarter-finals (Tokyo 2020)

New Zealand went winless in their first two appearances at the tournament, suffering group-stage exits at Beijing 2008 and London 2012. After missing out on the Rio Games, they returned at Tokyo 2020 and clinched a maiden Olympic victory in their opening match, edging out Korea Republic 1-0. A draw with Romania secured New Zealand’s passage to the quarter-finals, where they were beaten in an agonising penalty shootout by hosts Japan.