New Zealand at World Cup 2026: Group G Fixtures & Fan Travel Guide
New Zealand play their Group G matches in Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Vancouver, June 15–26, 2026 — the US and Canada. Fixtures, venues, ESTA and eTA tips for Kiwi fans, and the one eSIM that follows you across both countries.
Published June 9, 2026·5 min read
Summary
New Zealand play their three Group G matches across the US and Canada — vs. Iran in Los Angeles (June 15), vs. Egypt in Vancouver (June 21), and vs. Belgium in Vancouver (June 26). Kiwi fans need a US ESTA and a Canadian eTA, and one North America eSIM keeps you online across both countries. Here's the plan.
New Zealand's Group G fixtures
New Zealand return for a third World Cup and their first since 2010 — when the All Whites drew all three group games and went home undefeated — having qualified as OFC winners, ranked 86th in the world. One of their group games is in the US and two are in Vancouver, so following the All Whites means one border crossing during the group stage, per the New Zealand record.
| Date (ET) | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Mon Jun 15, 9 p.m. | Iran vs. New Zealand | SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles) |
| Sun Jun 21, 9 p.m. | New Zealand vs. Egypt | BC Place (Vancouver) |
| Fri Jun 26, 11 p.m. | New Zealand vs. Belgium | BC Place (Vancouver) |
Use our venue guides to plan each match day: getting to SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and BC Place in Vancouver. For the full group picture, see our Group G preview.
Entry: ESTA, eTA, and what to bring
New Zealand passport holders travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program and must hold an approved ESTAbefore boarding for the Los Angeles match — apply via the official US Customs and Border Protection site, not a reseller, days ahead of travel. For the two Vancouver matches you also need a Canadian eTA, which is quick and inexpensive to obtain online. Carry your passport, ESTA and eTA approvals, and your match tickets in the FIFA World Cup 26™ app.
Staying connected: eSIM vs roaming vs pocket Wi-Fi
New Zealand's route spans the US and Canada, and roaming on a Kiwi line from the far side of the world is expensive — so a North America eSIM is the simplest fix: install it on Wi-Fi before you fly, switch it on when you land, and your maps, rideshare, WhatsApp group chats, and ticket QR codes all work immediately, with no surcharge when you cross into Canada.
| Option | Cost | Setup time | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM | Low | ~5 min (pre-install on Wi-Fi) | Excellent (local carrier) |
| Carrier roaming | High | Instant (already enabled) | Medium (partner-dependent) |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Medium | Airport pickup / rental | Good (extra device to charge) |
A single North America eSIM covers Los Angeles and Vancouver on one plan and extends into Mexico if your trip grows. From US$5 with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or card.
FAQ
QWhere do New Zealand play their World Cup 2026 group games?
ALos Angeles (vs. Iran, June 15), Vancouver (vs. Egypt, June 21), and Vancouver again (vs. Belgium, June 26). The venues are SoFi Stadium and BC Place — one US game and two in Canada.
QDo New Zealand fans need an ESTA and an eTA for the World Cup?
AYes — a US ESTA for the Los Angeles game and a Canadian eTA for the two Vancouver matches. Apply on the official US CBP and Canadian government sites before flying, not at the airport.
QWhen did New Zealand last play at a World Cup?
A2010 — this is New Zealand's third World Cup and first in 16 years. In 2010 the All Whites drew all three group games and were the only unbeaten team to be eliminated. They qualified for 2026 as OFC winners, ranked 86th.
QWhich eSIM is best for New Zealand fans at the World Cup?
AA North America eSIM — it covers the Los Angeles game and both Vancouver matches on one plan, and still works if you cross to Mexico. Install before you fly and activate on landing; plans start around US$5.
Bottom line
New Zealand's Group G route — one game in Los Angeles, then a Vancouver base for the last two — is a manageable trip with a single border crossing, and the All Whites are back on the biggest stage for the first time since 2010. Sort your ESTA and eTA early and load a World Cup 2026 eSIM before you fly so maps, tickets, and the group chat are all online from the jet bridge.