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USA and New Zealand return to action on Tuesday when they square off in a friendly at the QTL Stadium. This will be the first meeting between the two nations since October 2016, when they played out a 1-1 draw in Washington DC.
USA failed to find their feet on Saturday as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Canada in a friendly matchup at the Children's Mercy Park. Jacob Shaffelburg and Jonathan David scored in either hand to put Canada into a two-goal lead before Luca De La Torre halved the deficit with a 66th-minute strike.
The United States have now lost three games on the bounce, including successive defeats against Panama and Uruguay in the 2024 Copa America, where they suffered a forgettable group-stage exit.
Like Tuesday's hosts, New Zealand were on the receiving end of a 3-0 defeat against Mexico in a friendly clash at the Rose Bowl Stadium on Saturday.
Mexico turned in a superb team display on home soil as Orbelin Pineda, César Huerta and Luis Romo found the back of the net to see off Darren Bazeley’s men.
This followed a stunning run in the OFC Men’s Nations League crown in June, when New Zealand stormed to the final where they thrashed Vanuatu 3-0 to clinch the title.
USA vs New Zealand Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- This will be the fourth meeting between the two nations, with the United States claiming two wins and one draw in their previous three encounters.
- USA have won just one of their last six matches across all competitions while losing four and claiming one draw since the start of June.
- New Zealand have failed to win their last eight friendly games, losing six and picking up two draws since a 2-1 victory over China on March 2023.
- The United States have lost all but one of their last four friendly matches, with a 1-1 draw against Brazil on June 13 being the exception.
USA vs New Zealand Prediction
While USA have struggled for results of late, they will fancy themselves against a New Zealand side who have failed to win their last three meetings. Given the gulf in quality and depth between the two nations, we are tipping the United States to bounce back and claim the desired result here.
Prediction: USA 2-1 New Zealand
USA vs New Zealand Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - USA to win
Tip 2: Over 2.5 goals - Yes (There have been at least three goals scored in New Zealand’s last five outings)
Tip 3: Over 4.5 cards - No (There have also been fewer than five bookings in eight of New Zealand’s last 10 games)
