The All Whites will travel to Belarus for an international football friendly in June as a part of their buildup to the Confederations Cup in Russia.
All Whites captain Chris Wood and New Caledonia's Cedric Sansot clash in Kone. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand Football have confirmed their final warm-up match for the 'Tournament of Champions' will be against Belarus in Minsk on 12 June 2017.
Belarus is currently 74th in the FIFA rankings while the All Whites are 109th.
All Whites coach Anthony Hudson said the World No 74 Belarus, the team known as the White Wings, would present a good challenge as they get ready for their opening game against Russia in St Petersburg on 17 June.
"We are excited to have our first warm-up game confirmed and we are sure that Belarus will present a good test," said Hudson.
"They are similar in style to Russia and will be a competitive game for us as we complete our preparations for the Confederations Cup."
Hudson said there has been significant interest in playing the All Whites in 2017. The team is currently working through the logistics and a full schedule leading into the FIFA Confederations Cup will be released as soon as it is confirmed.
Hudson said the interest in playing his team underlines the significance of winning the OFC Nations Cup last June.
"We are in a really good position to have a strong build-up to the Confederations Cup. We want to perform well in Russia but the ultimate goal this year is to have the squad in the best position possible to qualify for the Intercontinental Playoff in November and then the World Cup."
New Zealand who are ranked 109 in the world.
Belarus and New Zealand faced each other at the 2012 London Olympics, with the Belarusians celebrating a narrow win 1-0.
The All Whites will open their Confederations Cup campaign against hosts Russia in Saint Petersburg five days after the match.
New Zealand then play Mexico in Sochi on June 21 before finishing their pool A matches against Portugal on June 24.
