All Whites coach Danny Hay is preparing to make big sacrifices to see the national men's football team in action during international windows in October and November.
The All Whites haven't played since last November, when they faced Ireland and Lithuania, and Hay is desperate to see them get more games.
They were due to travel to Bahrain and Oman in March, but the coronavirus pandemic saw those games cancelled.
As it stands, they have a game against world No.1 Belgium in Brussels on October 9 and are trying to secure another game during the international window, along with two more in November.
But all upcoming matches depend on the status of the pandemic and international travel restrictions, and Hay has his fingers crossed the games go ahead.
Speaking to Newshub, Hay says he plans to base himself in Europe during October and November to give himself and the team the best preparation possible.
"It is going to be tough," he says. "If we get this game against Belgium and somebody else and even potentially one or two in November, that would be ideal.
"If that's the case, I'll base myself over there for seven weeks. It will be a long time away from my family, which will be difficult, but that's the nature of the job.
"It's too big an opportunity for us to turn down, and if that means returning home and spending two more weeks in quarantine, then so be it."
With uncertainty over the next A-League season, Hay admits he will likely use European-based players for the match and that plan has been bolstered by Liberato Cacace's signing with Belgium club St Truiden.
Of the last All Whites squad to play, 10 players are currently based in Europe, including Sarpreet Singh, Ryan Thomas and Chris Wood.
Hay admits not playing since last November isn't ideal, but it has allowed him to get other things done with an eye on the 2022 and, more importantly, 2026 World Cup.
"If we look back to March, missing out on those opportunities to play Bahrain and Oman was a blow, but everyone is in the same boat in terms of setbacks," says Hay.
"It has just been over a year and we've just had that opportunity to get together, which is less than ideal, but it has allowed us to think outside the square and get things done that we probably wouldn't have.
"Our main goal is to qualify for the World Cup, but it's about looking ahead to 2026, and if we can start to blood numerous players and getting them facing high-quality opposition, we will be in a better position down the line."
