The New Zealand national football team was founded as early as 1891. They joined FIFA in 1948 and helped found the Oceania Football Confederation in 1966. In contrast to the country’s successful rugby union side, the football team is known as the All Whites.
Most of New Zealand’s players make their livings outside of the country. Most New Zealand domestic teams are not fully professional so players have moved to England, the United States and Australia. Since Australia moved to the Asian Football Confederation, New Zealand has been the dominant team in Oceania.
In 1922, the team played its first official international fixture. In a series of three games against rivals Australia, New Zealand won 3-1 twice and drew 1-1. The All Whites have since played over three-hundred matches. Despite the long history of football in New Zealand and the success of the team, rugby and cricket are more popular sports.
The New Zealand national football team has qualified for a word cup twice, in 1982 and 2010.