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Flying Kiwis Take Their Loud Support to the World Cup

Fans see a low-ranked side drawing belief from players hardened in overseas leagues.

A staff member of a conservation organization carries a kiwi bird during an event at Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Charlotte Graham-McLay)

Overview

  • The Flying Kiwis will be in the stands at the World Cup to back New Zealand with a loud, unified section.
  • The group started in 2009 when founder Matt Fejos bought 32 tickets for friends to fire up a World Cup qualifier.
  • New Zealand faces Belgium, Iran and Egypt in Group G and sits at No. 85 in FIFA’s rankings.
  • Supporters say more players based in stronger foreign leagues lift belief under heavy match pressure.
  • On past trips, members played friendly games with local fans and leaned into a kiwi underdog identity in a rugby-first country.