Here’s a genuine surprise: all three All Whites group matches kick off at 1 PM or 3 PM NZST — no dawn alarms required. TVNZ broadcasts every New Zealand match free (and free on TVNZ+ streaming). Sky Sport NZ (NZ$50/month) carries all 104 games. This is New Zealand’s first World Cup since their unbeaten 2010 campaign, and the schedule is a gift.
Where to Watch: Free and Paid
- TVNZ — Free public broadcaster. All All Whites matches + selection of other games
- TVNZ+ — Free streaming. All TVNZ-broadcast matches on demand
- Sky Sport NZ — Paid, ~NZ$50/month. All 104 World Cup matches
When to Watch: Kickoff Times in New Zealand
| US Kickoff (ET) | Local Time (NZST) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00 AM ET | 3:00 AM (+1 day) | Overnight — rough |
| 2:00 PM ET | 6:00 AM (+1 day) | Early morning — tough |
| 5:00 PM ET | 9:00 AM (+1 day) | Morning — watchable |
| 8:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM (+1 day) | Midday — perfect |
The general schedule is tough for NZ, but the All Whites’ own matches landed in remarkably friendly slots.
All Whites Group G Schedule (NZST):
| Match | Date / Local Time | City |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand vs Iran | June 16, 13:00 NZST | Inglewood (Los Angeles) |
| New Zealand vs Egypt | June 22, 13:00 NZST | Vancouver |
| New Zealand vs Belgium | June 27, 15:00 NZST | Vancouver |
Must-Watch Matches
- New Zealand vs Iran — June 16, 1:00 PM NZST, Inglewood. The return. Sixteen years since the All Whites last played on the World Cup stage — and it’s at lunchtime on a Tuesday. Book a long lunch
- New Zealand vs Belgium — June 27, 3:00 PM NZST, Vancouver. The biggest test: a midweek afternoon match against European heavyweights. Schools and offices will have one eye on the screen
- Final — July 19, MetLife Stadium (New York). 7:00 AM NZST (July 20)
- Semifinals — July 14-15
FAQ
Are All Whites matches free to watch in New Zealand? Yes. TVNZ broadcasts all New Zealand matches free-to-air and free on TVNZ+ streaming.
What time do NZ’s World Cup matches kick off? All three group matches are at surprisingly reasonable times: two at 1:00 PM NZST and one at 3:00 PM NZST. No 3 AM alarm clocks needed.
How much does Sky Sport NZ cost? Sky Sport NZ costs around NZ$50/month and covers all 104 World Cup matches.
When did New Zealand last play in a World Cup? 2010 in South Africa, where they famously went unbeaten in the group stage (three draws including vs Italy). The 2026 tournament ends a 16-year wait.