The All Whites started their series against India in emphatic fashion, beating the visitors 5-0 at Go Media Stadium in Auckland.

The result is the All Whites’ biggest winning margin over non-Oceania opposition since the 1980s, including a 6-1 win over Malaysia in 1984 and 5-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in 1981.

In front of more than 10,000 fans at Go Media Stadium, New Zealand put on a clinic in their first home match since qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, opening the scoring in the fifth minute.

After winning the ball back high up the pitch, All Whites midfielder Matt Garbett set up Lachie Bayliss, whose shot towards the bottom left corner was saved by Vishal Kaith. The rebound caused mayhem in the Indian penalty area as the defence failed to clear its lines, with Pramveer Singh’s attempted clearance hitting Bijoy Varghese's knee before going into the net.

It nearly took half an hour for the All Whites to find the back of the net again. Good work between Bayliss and Garbett in midfield saw them regain possession before slipping a pass through to Jesse Randall, who drove into the box. The Dundee United winger's shot took a deflection and looped beyond the outstretched Kaith to double New Zealand’s advantage.

Less than 10 minutes later, Randall had his brace and gave the All Whites a 3-0 half-time lead. Randall's pressing forced Pramveer into a mistake, with the winger pouncing on the loose ball to side-foot home from close range.

Fans did not have to wait long for the goals to continue after the break, with the fourth goal arguably drawing the biggest cheer of the night in the 54th minute. Chris Wood latched onto a pinpoint cross from Callan Elliot and headed home in style for his record-extending 46th goal for the All Whites.

Auckland FC midfielder Lachie Bayliss also had a moment to savour, scoring his maiden international goal at his A-League home ground. Bayliss arrived in the heart of the penalty area in the 74th minute and lashed a powerful finish beyond Kaith for New Zealand’s fifth goal of the evening.

The match was also one to remember for Wellington Phoenix trio Corban Piper, Matt Sheridan, and Nathan Walker, who all made their All Whites debuts in the second half.

A penalty save from Kaith prevented the scoreline from becoming even more one-sided, with the Indian goalkeeper getting down quickly to deny Bill Tuiloma from the spot in the 78th minute on the defender's 50th appearance for the All Whites.

The All Whites next face India on Sunday in what will be the first-ever international football match at One New Zealand Stadium in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Tickets for the homecoming games, starting from $10 for children and $20 for adults, plus ticketing fees, can be booked through Ticketek.

For those unable to attend, both matches will be broadcast live and free on DAZN, the home of FIFA+, as well as TVNZ.

Both matches are part of a series of sporting events celebrating ‘100 Years of Unity Through Sport’ between India and Aotearoa New Zealand.

All Whites 5 (Bijoy Varghese 5' OG, Jesse Randall 34', 43', Chris Wood 54', Lachie Bayliss 74')

India 0

Article added: Thursday 12 November 2026