The Football Ferns have been given a strong build-up to next year's Women's FIFA World Cup after it was confirmed they will compete in the inaugural Cup of Nations in Australia prior to the tournament.
The Kiwi side already has a friendly fixture locked in against the USA before heading to France but now will get another three matches against competitive sides.
The World No. 19 Ferns will take on Australia (6th), Argentina (36th) and South Korea (14th) from February 28 to March 6, playing the three matches in three cities over seven days.
New Ferns coach Tom Sermanni, who recently guided the time to their World Cup qualification by winning the OFC Women's Nations Cup, says the tournament is ideal preparation for the World Cup.
"We are really looking forward to this tournament," said Sermanni. "To be able to play three world-class sides over seven days in three different locations will be great preparation for what we will face in France at the World Cup.
"We only have six months until the tournament begins so to have secured quality opposition, along with playing the USA in May, we are happy with our build-up to the tournament."
The six-match tournament will kick-off at Jubilee Stadium in Sydney on February 28 when the Ferns and Matildas square off. It will be the two trans-Tasman sides' first meeting since they played two friendlies in June, 2016.
Cup of Nations – Match Schedule
Matchday One - Thursday, 28 February, Jubilee Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Match One: Argentina v South Korea – 4.35pm kick-off (6.35pm NZT)
Match Two: Australia v New Zealand – 7.30pm kick-off (9.30pm NZT)
Matchday Two - Sunday, 3 March, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Queensland
Match One: Argentina v New Zealand – 3.05pm kick-off (AEST) (6.05pm NZT)
Match Two: Australia v South Korea – 6.00pm kick-off (AEST) (9.00pm NZT)
Matchday Three - Wednesday, 6 March, AAMI Park, Melbourne, Victoria
Match One: South Korea v New Zealand – 3.05pm kick-off (5.05pm NZT)
Match Two: Australia v Argentina – 6.00pm kick-off (8.00pm NZT)
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