New Zealand vs India Prediction & H2H Stats 12 November 2026
🔊 New Zealand and India will meet in the first of two friendlies during the November FIFA international window. The hosts have returned home after the 2026 World Cup and hope to delight their fans with a win in Auckland. Khalid Jamil’s India head into the series after disappointing matches against strong opponents. The difference in international experience and squad quality favours New Zealand, although the visitors also have several interesting players.
New Zealand lead the head-to-head record
📊 In June 2018, New Zealand beat India 2-1 in the Intercontinental Cup. The upcoming match will be the teams’ first meeting in New Zealand.
Head-to-head statistics New Zealand - India
New Zealand: home advantage and Chris Wood’s return
New Zealand had a difficult World Cup, drawing with Iran (2-2) but losing to Egypt (1-3) and Belgium (1-5). During the September international window, they drew with Palestine (2-2) before comfortably beating China (3-0). In October, New Zealand got past Panama on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, but then lost to Japan (1-2) in the Kirin Cup. The results show that they can perform well in attack, but their defence does not always cope with high-level opponents.
Chris Wood's return will be an important boost for the hosts. The Nottingham Forest striker remains the national team's record holder for appearances and goals, with 95 caps and 45 goals. Matthew Garbett has also returned to the squad, while three players have been given the chance to make their national-team debuts. At home, New Zealand will be able to count on the support of the crowd and familiar preparation conditions. The upcoming series will also be Darren Bazeley's last as national-team head coach.
Match Results: New Zealand
India: heavy defeats ahead of trip to Oceania
India's senior national team, under Khalid Jamil, faced three World Cup participants in September and October. They first drew with Panama (1-1), before suffering heavy defeats to Brazil (0-4) and Uruguay (1-6). The final match was particularly difficult: after India equalised, they conceded five goals. In their two matches against South American national teams, India therefore conceded ten goals, pointing to serious defensive problems against strong attacking sides.
This team should not be confused with India's younger squad, who are competing at the SAFF Championship in Bangladesh under Naushad Musa at the same time. It was Jamil's senior national team that travelled to New Zealand, with a separate 23-player squad named for the trip. Three players from Musa's team - Bijoy Varghese, Muhammad Suhail and Liston Colaco - joined the senior squad before departure. India arrived in Auckland on 9 November after a long flight from Bengaluru via Kuala Lumpur. The coaching staff had a few days left to acclimatise and prepare for the match.
Match Results: India
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New Zealand
❌ One notable squad absence is Sarpreet Singh: the midfielder decided to stay in Portugal to continue playing for Farense during the international break. Newcomers include Corban Piper, Matthew Sheridan and Nathan Walker.
India
❌ A change in the goalkeeper selection is also worth noting: experienced Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has not been included in the squad for the New Zealand series. Instead, Jamil has Hrithik Tiwari, Som Kumar and Vishal Kaith at his disposal. The coaching staff’s main task is to improve coordination across the back line and avoid repeating the mistakes made in the matches against Brazil and Uruguay.
🟨 Yellow Cards Prediction
Neither national team is among the most ill-disciplined. New Zealand have averaged around 0.9 yellow cards per match over their last ten matches, while India have averaged approximately 1.4. Given that this is a friendly, an excessively high number of cards is not to be expected. Total Yellow Cards - Under 3.5 is worth considering.
⚽ Goals Prediction
India have conceded ten goals in their last two matches against Brazil and Uruguay: their defence has yet to show sufficient reliability against strong opponents. New Zealand have a more potent attack, especially with the return of Chris Wood, who has scored 45 goals for his country. The hosts have scored seven goals in their last four matches, while India scored just twice in three matches during the September-October international window. Given the difference in attacking potential and the visitors’ defensive problems, consider New Zealand Team Total Goals - Over 1.5. Odds: 1.46*.
🚩 Corners Prediction
The average number of corners in New Zealand’s last ten matches is around 8.4 per game. India’s figure over the same period is 8.7. The hosts should control possession more often and use the flanks, while the visitors may respond with quick attacks. Given these figures, it is reasonable to consider Total Corners - Over 7.5.
*Odds are indicative and may vary depending on the bookmaker.
⭐ Editor’s Prediction
New Zealand have the advantage thanks to playing at home, their greater international experience and the return of Chris Wood. India are still having serious problems in defence, especially against opponents capable of sustaining high attacking pressure. However, New Zealand are not always faultless at the back either, so we expect a high-scoring match. The favourites should have enough chances to score several goals. Final pick: Total Goals - Over 2.5. Correct score prediction: 3-0.
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