Source: Radio New Zealand
Football is becoming increasingly popular in NZ. Photosport
Football is increasingly becoming the sport of choice in New Zealand, with the latest numbers showing more Kiwis than ever are playing.
And New Zealand Football expected that to grow, with the All Whites competing at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
According to New Zealand Football’s 2025’s participation statistics, more than 180,000 players registered to play last year.
And football continued to be the most popular team participation sport in Aotearoa, according to Sport NZ’s most recent Active NZ Participation Survey.
Nearly 148,500 players took part in New Zealand Football organised football and futsal in 2025, a 3 percent growth in football and an 11 percent rise in futsal from 2024.
Adding to that, more than 34,000 players also played through New Zealand Secondary Schools.
Girls and women’s football continued to gain in popularity after the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, with a 35 percent increase in female football and futsal players since 2022.
There had also been significant growth for under-represented ethnicities, with participation among Māori up 9 percent compared to 2024.
The biggest rise was in Asian participation compared to 2024, increasing by more than 10 percent, while participation in football by Pasifika increased 7 percent.
There was also a big jump in people taking part in New Zealand Football coaching courses in 2025. The biggest hike by far was seen in an 80 percent increase in Asian, Māori, and Pacific coaching participants.
New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell said New Zealand continued to show it was a footballing nation.
“With the All Whites competing at the FIFA World Cup 2026, this year represents a massive opportunity to inspire more Kiwis to pick up the sport and join their local club.
“We’ve seen the power of football through major tournaments already, with the women’s game still blossoming through the legacy project established following the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 on home soil.”
Pragnell said the numbers showed they were on the right path towards achieving key outcomes in New Zealand Football’s 2035 strategy.
“Which includes football becoming the most inclusive sport in Aotearoa New Zealand, thriving participation driven by high quality experiences, inspiring performances through connected pathways, growing fans and growing revenue while ensuring financial sustainability.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
