Soccer: All Whites to play Honduras and El Salvador in May

All Whites striker Chris Wood. Photo / Getty Images

The All Whites have landed two key friendly internationals in the lead-up to the World Cup qualifiers in the Solomon Islands with confirmation of matches against CONCACAF opposition in the USA in May.

The All Whites will clash with El Salvador on May 23 in Houston with Honduras providing opposition three days later in Dallas.

"It's been a good week in terms of our planning with confirmation of the Solomon Islands for the OFC Nations Cup and now these two matches," said All Whites coach Ricki Herbert.

"The US tour will provide valuable preparation for some of our players who will be out of season, and given the geographical spread it is also an opportunity to work with an extended group in the build-up to the Solomons," Herbert continued.

"To get two international matches of this stature is crucial to our preparation for the Solomons in terms of the heat and getting through international matches with a short rest period between matches. We could then look to continue our preparation in a place like Brisbane en-route to the islands," Herbert added.

The tour gives Herbert's charges some useful game time prior to the OFC Nations Cup which doubles as stage two of World Cup qualifying in Oceania and is scheduled to be played at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara from 1 - 12 June.

While the friendlies are scheduled outside of FIFA windows, many overseas-based players will be in their off season. The A-League will finish mid-April and most European leagues are due to conclude in mid-May. US-based players will be mid-season of the MLS.

That potential impact of the timing is not lost on New Zealand Football Chief Executive Grant McKavanagh.

"There will need to be some negotiation with clubs to secure release from their players for these matches," he said.

El Salvador and Honduras are both likely to be in the mix for the intercontinental playoff between OFC and CONCACAF scheduled for November 2013, and follows hot on the heels of the ASB Summer International with Jamaica, who loom as another potential opponent.

The winner of stage three of Oceania qualifying - comprised of the top four teams from stage two - will face the fourth placed team in CONCACAF home and away in November 2013 for a place the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

- Herald Online