Chicago Lands Ireland vs New Zealand Rematch in November 2025

With the USA being the host country of Rugby World Cup 2031, there are significant efforts into taking major matches stateside. After months of speculation it is now confirmed: Chicago will play host to Ireland vs New Zealand in 2025. Soldier Field was the venue in which Ireland claimed their first-ever win over the All Blacks in 2016. It will host the rematch on Saturday, November 01.

Following the announcement New Zealand Head Coach Scott Robertson said:

“This will be an epic rematch in one of the world’s great sporting cities. All Blacks supporters will remember well the last time we faced Ireland at this venue, which launched one of our fiercest modern rivalries. This is an awesome addition to our 2025 schedule; we look forward to bringing the team back to the US and being part of this sporting spectacle.”

The match will be a one-off fixture in Chicago and in the USA between the All Blacks and the Emerald Isle. Both teams will travel to Europe following the encounter to play end-of-year matches. Both are in search of retaining their spots near the top of the World Rankings so as to receive a favorable draw for Rugby World Cup 2027. The draw, which will take place in December 2025 or January 2026, will use seedings from the World Rankings as of November 30.

While the home of the Chicago Bears in NFL will host Ireland vs New Zealand the USA Eagles will not play against either team at home in November. Canada is also excluded from “The Rematch.” The USA Men’s Eagles’ fixtures for November are yet to be finalized. However, ARN can confirm that the Eagles will face Scotland in Europe.

The USA will play host to the Netherlands and Spain on July 05 and July 12 before facing powerhouses England, also at home, on July 19. The three matches will serve as preparations for the Rugby World Cup 2027 Qualifiers in which the Eagles will compete in the Pacific Nations Cup.