When the All Whites step out against the Socceroos for the return of the Soccer Ashes this week, they’ll be doing so draped in a piece of history. PUMA and New Zealand Football have revived the shirt that defined the nation’s first-ever FIFA World Cup journey back in 1982 – and this time it’s game-ready.
First seen earlier this year during the FIFA World Cup – Oceania Qualifiers, the New Zealand retro-inspired kit from PUMA sold out in a flash on the NZF store. But it never appeared in a game. Now, it’s making its way from the shelves to the pitch, with the All Whites set to wear it against Australia in the two-leg showdown.
The design stays faithful to the ‘82 original. The white home strip features subtle pinstripes across the body, balanced with black trim on the collar, sleeves and cuffs. On the chest, the iconic silver fern badge stands opposite PUMA’s branding, while the word Aotearoa is printed proudly beneath the back collar – a small detail carrying big meaning. The alternate shirt flips the palette, with black as the base and white accents sharpening the look.
This kit arrives as a cultural callback. The 1982 side carved their place in New Zealand’s footballing folklore, and now the current generation get to channel that same spirit as they face their oldest rivals.
The Soccer Ashes itself is steeped in history, first contested back in 1923 and returning after decades of dormancy. The two sides meet at Canberra’s GIO Stadium on Friday 5 September (KO 9:45pm NZT / 7:45pm local), before the series concludes with a homecoming clash at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium on Tuesday 9 September (KO 7:00pm NZT).
The limited-edition New Zealand kit is available now from the New Zealand Football store, as well as at the stadium on matchday.
