Finland are not a European heavyweight, but will be strong opposition regardless, given the depth of the Uefa confederation. In 2024, they faced the likes of England and Portugal, and their opponents last year included the Netherlands, Norway and Poland.
They missed out on World Cup qualification, finishing third in their five-team pool, and are currently ranked 75th in the world. Former Ajax, Barcelona and Liverpool forward Jari Litmanen was one of the best Finnish players of the modern era, while Sami Hyypia, Mikael Forssell and current vice-captain Teemu Pukki are among the notable names to have represented the country.
“It’s big for us,” said Pragnell. “They’ll bring high-quality football, and to have professionals come from the other side of the world to prepare against us is a big deal.”
Visits by South American teams have also been rare, with Chile (1998) and Paraguay (2010) the only countries to have played here.
“With South American teams, alongside the hosting costs, they often come with a bit of a price tag attached, which has often acted as a barrier to us.”
Chile have been struggling – they finished last in World Cup qualification – though that 10-team series is cut-throat. They have undoubted pedigree, as Copa America champions in 2015 and 2016, and there is no such thing as a poor South American team. Currently ranked 52th in the world, notable past players include Marcelo Salas and Ivan Zamorano, while Alexis Sanchez is a current great.
Cape Verde are an intriguing prospect. The African islanders achieved their first World Cup qualification in October, topping a group that included Cameroon and Angola. They are ranked 67 by Fifa.
Pragnell said the schedule, which would see each team play two matches, had yet to be finalised. It appears likely that NZF, which has first choice, will opt for Finland and Chile, though Pragnell said the final decision would be made in conjunction with All Whites coach Darren Bazeley and his staff.
“We will work closely with Baze and make sure he gets the schedule that’s most desirable from a performance perspective.”
Having such opponents here – and the Fifa series – marks quite a turnaround. It had seemed more likely that the All Whites would play in Europe or the US in March, to minimise travel and assembly logistics and maximise the chances of credible opposition. But the opportunity arose to host a Fifa series, and Pragnell is thrilled with the outcome.
“It’s a fantastic outcome both from a competitive perspective but also from a fan perspective,” said Pragnell. “Upon reflection, while performance was always going to be the number one driver, to not have farewell games for the team would have been a real missed opportunity for us, the fans and for the team.”
The All Whites, who are ranked 87 by Fifa, face Iran, Egypt and Belgium in World Cup Group G.
Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.