Two FIFA World Cup underdogs lock horns in Florida as Haiti and New Zealand continue their preparations for the 2026 tournament. Both nations are aiming to build confidence before difficult group-stage campaigns, and this friendly could turn into a tense and tactical affair.

Haiti vs New Zealand Match Preview

Match News and Current Form

Haiti return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974 after a historic qualification campaign. The Caribbean side have steadily improved under Sébastien Migné and head into this friendly with renewed optimism despite difficult fixtures awaiting them against Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland in Group C.

The Grenadiers have shown impressive defensive resilience in recent matches. A 1-1 draw with Iceland and a narrow 1-0 loss to Tunisia highlighted Haiti’s disciplined structure, while only two of their last eight games saw both teams score. They also remain a difficult side to break down, especially in tightly contested matches.

New Zealand, meanwhile, are preparing for their third-ever World Cup appearance after ending a 16-year absence from football’s biggest stage. The All Whites secured a morale-boosting 4-1 victory over Chile in March, but that result came after an alarming eight-game winless streak.

Despite their struggles, New Zealand possess experience and physicality that can trouble opponents, particularly through the attacking threat of Chris Wood. However, inconsistency in front of goal remains a concern, with the All Whites failing to score more than once in nine of their last ten matches.

Head-to-Head Record

This will be the first-ever meeting between Haiti and New Zealand, making it an intriguing intercontinental clash between two nations with limited experience against opposition from outside their regions.

Hot Stats and Streaks

• Only two of Haiti’s last eight matches saw both teams score.
• Haiti failed to score more than one goal in four of their last five friendlies.
• New Zealand failed to score more than once in nine of their last ten matches.
• New Zealand scored before half-time in only two of their last nine games.
• Four of Haiti’s last five matches produced under 2.5 goals.

Key Players to Watch

Haiti – Duckens Nazon

Haiti’s all-time top scorer remains their biggest attacking weapon. Interestingly, each of his last 14 international goals came away from home.

New Zealand – Chris Wood

The Nottingham Forest striker remains New Zealand’s main danger man and all-time leading scorer with 45 international goals.

Team News

Haiti are monitoring goalkeeper Johny Placide, who remains an injury concern heading into this fixture.

New Zealand will be without Ryan Thomas and Joe Bell due to leg injuries.

Haiti vs New Zealand Betting Tips

Best Bet: Under 2.5 Goals

Both sides have consistently featured in low-scoring matches recently, making the under 2.5 goals market highly appealing.

Alternative Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes

Neither nation has been particularly prolific in attack, and this could develop into a cautious tactical battle.

Safe Pick: Draw

Given both teams’ defensive setups and limited attacking output, a stalemate looks a realistic possibility.

Correct Score Prediction

Haiti 1-1 New Zealand

This friendly could be a tight and evenly contested encounter with few clear-cut chances. Both sides may settle for avoiding defeat rather than taking unnecessary risks ahead of the World Cup.

Final Prediction

Under 2.5 Goals

Both Teams to Score – Yes

Correct Score: Haiti 1-1 New Zealand

Expect a disciplined and low-scoring contest between two nations still searching for rhythm ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.