AUCKLAND, New Zealand (March 15, 2026) (Interstat) — New Zealand delivered a stunning 9-1 victory over China PR in an international friendly at Mount Smart Stadium on Sunday. The lopsided result, part of the Friendlies of Friendlies in World series, far exceeded projections that favored New Zealand by a narrow margin.

The home side was relentless from the start, overwhelming China’s defense. The visitors’ lone goal provided little respite in a match defined by New Zealand’s offensive barrage. The contest included three yellow cards and one red card shown to New Zealand’s Thomas Jefferson Smith in the 63rd minute, which did not slow the home team’s momentum.

The win improves New Zealand’s record to 2-0 in this competition, while China PR falls to 0-2. New Zealand next faces IR Iran in June, while China must regroup after a defeat that highlighted significant defensive struggles.