New Zealand — Football

Football in New Zealand has grown significantly in recent decades, particularly following the All Whites' qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The National League - Northern features 168 clubs across 6 organised competitions.

While rugby union remains the dominant sport, Football has become the largest participation sport in New Zealand. The Wellington Phoenix, competing in the Australian A-League, provides top-level professional football, and the country co-hosted the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Football in New Zealand dates back to 1891, making the New Zealand Football Association one of the oldest in Oceania. The sport has always competed with rugby union for attention and resources.

The All Whites' 1982 World Cup qualification was historic, and the 2010 campaign in South Africa was remarkable — New Zealand drew all three group matches (including against defending champions Italy), finishing the tournament unbeaten, the only team to do so.

New Zealand Football (NZF) governs the sport in the country. Founded in 1891, it is a member of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and FIFA. NZF oversees domestic competitions, the national teams, and grassroots development across the country.

The New Zealand Football Championship is the top domestic league, though the Wellington Phoenix competing in the Australian A-League provides the highest level of club football in the country. The Chatham Cup is the national knockout competition, one of the oldest cup competitions in world football.

Regional leagues form the backbone of the domestic pyramid, with football participation growing at grassroots level across the country.

Auckland City FC is the most successful club in New Zealand football, having won multiple league titles and represented the country at the FIFA Club World Cup on numerous occasions. Team Wellington and Christchurch United are also notable clubs.

The Wellington Phoenix, playing in the Australian A-League, is the country's only fully professional club and the primary vehicle for developing New Zealand-based professional players.

New Zealand is the dominant force in Oceanian football, winning the OFC Nations Cup five times. The All Whites' 2010 World Cup campaign, where they finished unbeaten with three draws, was a proud achievement. Auckland City FC's regular appearances at the FIFA Club World Cup have also raised New Zealand's footballing profile.

New Zealand does not have a dedicated football stadium, sharing venues with rugby. Eden Park in Auckland and Sky Stadium (formerly Westpac Stadium) in Wellington host major international football matches. The 2023 Women's World Cup led to improvements in football-specific infrastructure.

Football continues to grow in popularity in New Zealand, particularly among younger demographics. It is now the country's largest participation sport. The 2023 Women's World Cup co-hosting galvanised interest, and the Football Ferns (women's national team) have inspired a new generation. While rugby remains culturally dominant, football's footprint is expanding steadily.