New Zealand vs Ukraine Preview: Will All Whites Extend Winning Streak Against Struggling Ukraine?

As world football gears up for an exciting international break, all eyes will be on BMO Field on Tuesday, where New Zealand will clash with Ukraine in an intriguing friendly encounter. With the All Whites already securing their spot for the much-anticipated 2026 World Cup, they are riding high on confidence and looking to extend their impressive winning streak. The Blue and Yellow, on the other hand, are desperately in search of resurgence after experiencing back-to-back losses.

Match Preview

New Zealand’s manager, Darren Bazeley, has reason to be optimistic this week as his squad prepares for what could be their toughest test in recent times. The All Whites are currently on an impressive run of eight unbeaten matches, including their latest victory over Ivory Coast, where a solitary goal from Elijah Just secured the win. This match marked their fourth consecutive clean sheet, showcasing their solid defensive capabilities alongside a potent attack that has netted 34 goals in their last eight home games.

This remarkable form has positioned New Zealand favorably, yet they must acknowledge that facing Ukraine will represent a notable step up in competition. The All Whites’ recent encounters mostly feature lower-ranked teams, and the unpredictability of a friendly match can always throw surprises. However, New Zealand fans can expect a confident and proactive approach, aiming to make BMO Field a fortress yet again.

On the flip side, Serhiy Rebrov’s Ukraine team is currently in a challenging phase, struggling to find rhythm following their near miss for promotion to Nations League A. Their last outing resulted in a 4-2 defeat against Canada, where despite dominating possession, they failed to capitalize until the game was already lost. This disheartening outcome leaves Ukraine with just two wins from their last six outings, raising questions about their defensive organization, especially after conceding seven goals in two matches.

Key Player Insights

In the build-up to this clash, both teams will rely significantly on their key players to turn the tide of recent fortunes. For New Zealand, look for:

• Kosta Barbarouses: Leading the line, Barbarouses has been instrumental in converting chances into goals during their recent victories.
• Joe Bell: A key figure in midfield, Bell’s ability to control the game tempo will be crucial for New Zealand’s success.

Meanwhile, Ukraine boasts talented individuals who can sway the match, including:

• Oleksandr Zinchenko: A versatile player capable of making game-defining plays and providing crucial assists.
• Roman Yaremchuk: The forward is expected to lead the charge and provide the much-needed firepower to counteract New Zealand’s defense.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

With injuries influencing squad selections for both teams, it will be interesting to see who gets the nod as the starting XI. For New Zealand, expect the following lineup based on current form:

New Zealand Predicted Lineup:

• Crocombe
• Bindon, Tuiloma, Surman, Cacace
• Stamenic, Bell, Singh
• Just, Barbarouses, McCowatt

On the other side, Ukraine may have to shuffle their formation slightly, possibly without midfielder Mykola Shaparenko due to injury. Here’s how they might line up: