The All Whites had a memorable tournament delivering a historic victory while hosts Canada ultimately claimed the Canadian Shield in front of passionate home support.
Kiwi Welcome in Toronto
The All Whites were warmly welcomed on arrival by Kia Ora Canada board member Dino Rosta and member Glenn Cruz, with a traditional haka performed for the squad. Head coach Darren Bazeley praised the moment, noting how special it is to see Kiwi support wherever the team travels.
Following the welcome, the squad quickly got to work with a training session-despite some players arriving directly from long-haul flights. With players based all over the world, assembling the squad remains a challenge, but it also reflects the team’s evolution into a fully professional international side.
Statement Win Over Côte d’Ivoire
Ahead of their opening match, Kia Ora Canada connected with supporters group The Flying Kiwis, building excitement for a rare opportunity to see the national team in action on Canadian soil.
The challenge was immediate, facing reigning African champions Côte d’Ivoire, whose fans turned out in force to create a vibrant atmosphere.
It was Elijah Just who delivered the decisive moment, scoring in the 41st minute to give New Zealand the lead. Under sustained pressure, the All Whites held firm to secure a famous victory-arguably their biggest result since the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Earlier in the day, Canada had impressed with a 4-2 win over Ukraine National Football Team, with “The Voyageurs” bringing strong energy to BMO Field.
Tough Battle Against Ukraine
Heading into their second match, the All Whites remained in contention to win the tournament-despite not facing Canada due to the competition format.
Another pre-match meetup with The Flying Kiwis and Kia Ora Canada members set the tone before kickoff against Ukraine. After a tightly contested first half ended scoreless, Ukraine struck early in the second.
New Zealand responded quickly, with Marko Stamenic levelling the score shortly after the restart. However, Ukraine regained control, netting a decisive second goal in the 75th minute to seal the win.
Canada Takes the Title
The tournament concluded with Canada defeating Côte d’Ivoire on penalties to lift the Canadian Shield, capping off a strong showing on home soil.
For the All Whites, a second-place finish represents a highly encouraging outcome, highlighted by a landmark win and strong performances throughout the tournament.
Positive Signs Ahead of 2026
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just a year away, the All Whites’ showing in Toronto offers plenty of optimism. Competitive performances against high-quality opposition-and strong support from Kiwi fans abroad-underline the team’s growing confidence on the international stage.
For Kia Ora Canada, it was another proud moment witnessing New Zealand teams making their mark overseas, backed by a passionate community far from home.