Anticipation is building among New Zealand fans in America ahead of the All Whites’ opening FIFA World Cup game against Iran today.
New Zealand kicks off its World Cup campaign in Los Angeles at 1pm NZT – their first game at the tournament in 16 years. The match will be screened live and free on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+.
Ahead of the game, 1News attended a rooftop party in LA for New Zealand fans.
One Kiwi fan from Napier, who was following the team for all their group games, was asked by 1News why it was important to be in North America for this tournament.
“We were in South Africa, and we saw them be undefeated. Today they’re going to win,” he said.
Watch the All Whites opening FIFA World Cup game against Iran at 1pm, live and free on TVNZ+ and TVNZ 1.
Another fan, an Argentinian living in New Zealand who had travelled to the tournament to support both the All Whites and his home country, said Kiwis had to be “proud for their team”.
He said that with the social media hype around defender Tim Payne originating in Argentina, New Zealand had become a second team for many in that country.
“We love Tim Payne now,” he said. “No Payne, no gain,” he laughed.
Another All Whites fan, Rory, said he and his friend Richard had been planning to attend a World Cup “forever”.
“So a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to actually come across and see the All Whites play,” he said.
Matt Fejos, founder of the travelling New Zealand supporters group the Flying Kiwis, who put on the event, estimated at about 3000 to 4000 Kiwi fans would be at each game.
He said it had been a “big thing” to organise – with games across two cities in two separate countries.
“Luckily there are amazing guys who are new to the Flying Kiwis, or are old from it, and have been coming along for years, and they’ve been amazing, because it’s hard to ask for help sometimes.”
Watch all matches at the World Cup with an event pass on TVNZ+ | All Whites games free-to-view on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including Donald Trump's claimed breakthrough with Iran, Britain's move to ban social media for under-16s, and a dream FIFA World Cup debut for Cabo Verde. (Source: Breakfast)
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