Finland Beat New Zealand 2-0 in FIFA Series Opener

Finland open FIFA Series with win over New Zealand

Finland win opening match of FIFA Series in Auckland, goals from Pohjanpalo and Oksanen secure victory over hosts New Zealand.

Pohjanpalo & Oksanen goals give Finland NZ win, next up, Finland face Cape Verde at Eden Park - a win could secure the series for them...

Finland kicked off their 2026 campaign with a 2-0 win over hosts New Zealand in Auckland.

The result was a blow to New Zealand's World Cup build-up, marking a shaky start to their preparations. 

Finland's starting centre-forward role is up-for-grabs after the international retirement of Teemu Pukki, and 31-year-old Joel Pohjanpalo staked his claim midway through the first half when he headed home Leo Walta's corner at the back post.

🇫🇮 Finland take their first win of #FIFASeries! pic.twitter.com/044bPtTCXX

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) March 27, 2026

Both sides had good chances as the match went on, the most spectacular a thunderous strike from over 25 yards by Walta which cannoned off the underside of the bar and out.

Finland sealed the win five minutes from time through Jaakko Oksanen.

Oksanen's strike came after Topi Keskinen cleverly squared the ball to him on a counter-attack. 

Finland's strong start to the series continues - they've won both games with clean sheets, having beaten Andorra 4-0 last year.