Surman and New Zealand set to play two friendlies, two Kirin Cup matches
PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Timbers defender Finn Surman has been selected to the New Zealand Men’s National Team for the upcoming international window in September and October, the New Zealand Football Federation announced today. Surman will join the All Whites for two friendly matches and two Kirin Cup 2026 matches during the break.
Surman, 22, and New Zealand will kick off the window with two friendly matches in Chongqin, China, against Palestine (Sept. 24) and China (Sept. 27). The All Whites will then compete in the Kirin Cup, a four-team competition in Japan, where they will face Panama (Oct. 1) and either Japan or Ecuador on October 5.
Since making his senior international debut in November of 2023, the six-foot-three defender has earned 22 caps (20 starts), registering three goals. Most recently, Surman competed in FIFA World Cup 26™ with the All Whites, playing every minute of all three group-stage matches while scoring against Egypt on June 21. For the Timbers, Surman has logged 25 appearances (all starts) this season, recording one goal and one assist.
WHAT |
WHEN |
WHERE |
New Zealand vs. Palestine(International Friendly) |
Sept. 24 - 2:30am PT |
Chongqing, China – Tongliang Long Stadium |
New Zealand vs. China(International Friendly) |
Sept. 27 - 4:35am PT |
Chongqing, China – Longxing Football Stadium |
New Zealand vs. Panama(2026 Kirin Cup) |
Oct. 1 - TBD Time |
Tokyo, Japan – Yokohama International Stadium |
New Zealand vs. Ecuador or Japan (2026 Kirin Cup) |
Oct. 5 - TBD Time |
Tokyo, Japan – Tokyo National Stadium |
