The Football Ferns have only ever beaten the USA once and the chances of that happening again over the next couple of days are remote.
Football Ferns Photo: PHOTOSPORT
But local football fans are excited to see the world's best side in action as a prelude to the FIFA World Cup being hosted by New Zealand and Australia later this year.
Winning is always important, but the two sides go into these two games with completely different approaches.
The Football Ferns have conceded either 5 or 6 goals in their last four games against the USA and with an understrength lineup for these matches, they're facing something similar again.
The USA are ranked number one in the world and the Ferns 24.
Ferns coach Jitka Klimkova wouldn't define what a good result would be for them, but promised they'll be competitive.
"We know that we are underdogs and we know that we don't have a full squad, but I really believe you will see a fight.
"It doesn't matter what is going to happen, our focus is on the things that we can control."
New Zealand is missing many of their top players, who haven't been freed from their clubs, because these games fall outside the FIFA international window.
US midfielder Rose Leville, who scored in the last World Cup final, appreciates New Zealand isn't at full strength.
"I know a lot of their players didn't get released but we've obviously played them a lot and it's always a good test," said Leville on their arrival in the country.
"For us to get two games this early in the year is very valuable and with it not being a FIFA break it does give us an advantage."
The games are almost secondary for the Americans, who have vast experience in their squad including a number of players from their last two World Cup victories.
Becky Sauerbrunn playing against New Zealand in 2013. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
It's also the start of their season and this trip gives them a chance to familiarise themselves with the local conditions ahead of the World Cup.
It will be the first time they've played on New Zealand soil.
The USA will play their pool matches in Auckland and Wellington.
US captain Becky Sauerbrunn, who has played 212 games for her country, says every little detail they pick up ahead of the World Cup can help.
"To replicate the travel of it now that FIFA is mandating that teams travel match day minus one and that's something we've never done before in a World Cup.
"The training venues, and even getting a feel for the grass at the stadiums, the little things that maybe to an outsider don't seem so important, but for us it's the difference between an own goal or not."
What has come as a surprise for many of the Americans is how cold it's going to be in New Zealand during the World Cup in July and August.
The tournament is usually played during the summer.
USA players celebrate 2019 World Cup win. Photo: AFP
New Zealand, and in particular Wellington, where the US will play the Netherlands during the Cup can be challenging for even the hardiest.
Rose Lavelle was surprised to find out on their arrival what they're likely to be in for later this year.
"I knew it was going to be in the winter but I was thinking it was going to be like an LA (Los Angeles) winter.
"I didn't know it was going to be that cold, I was thinking it would be an ideal soccer temperature.... what a dream."
The two sides have met 20 times with the Ferns winning just once... their inaugural game in 1987.
A record Football Ferns home crowd of more than 10,000 is expected in Wellington with the second game in Auckland on Saturday.
