All Whites to play Haiti in friendly

The All Whites will face Haiti in a friendly in the US state of Florida early next month, four days before they take on England to conclude their preparations for this year's World Cup, NZ Football says.

New Zealand are returning to football's biggest stage for the first time since 2010 and will play Haiti for the first time at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on June 3 ahead of their clash with England in Tampa.

"We have been working to lock in two games against fellow World Cup opposition to put us in the best place to perform at the tournament," coach Darren Bazeley said in a statement today. 

"The combination of facing Haiti and England, both in Florida, is something we feel does exactly that."

New Zealand, ranked 85th in the world, will play Iran, Egypt and Belgium in Group G as they seek their first World Cup victory.

Haiti, two spots higher in the rankings, are preparing for their second World Cup appearance 52 years after their first.

They were drawn with Scotland, Brazil, and Morocco in Group C.

"Haiti are a good side and are ranked at a similar level to us, so we feel that provides a perfect test as we get ready to kick off against Iran in LA," Bazeley said. 

He will name his squad for the tournament in mid-May and his side kick off their campaign against the Iranians at Los Angeles Stadium on June 15.

The World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and runs from June 11- July 19.