New Zealand boss Ricki Herbert believes the national team will only prosper if they can gain a move out of Oceania and into the Asian Football Confederation.
The All Whites, currently ranked 79 in the world, meet Mexico in a crucial World Cup playoff in Wellington on Wednesday night which they trail 5-1 after last week's first leg in Mexico City.
Aside from that vital fixture, Herbert has called on his country's federation to push from the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) to the AFC after seeing neighbours Australia grow in the more competitive competition.
"New Zealand's future is in Asia although I do not know if the Asians want us there, to be honest," Herbert said.
"Joining Asia would cause several problems but I can only say that from a footballing perspective it would be a very positive move to be part of such a massive confederation.
"I'm not sure if this is possible financially or from other logistical points of view.
"I'm sure that is a question for New Zealand Football.
"But football-wise it would be very good because we would have meaningful games and longer and more challenging World Cup qualification matches on a regular basis.
"We would get more exposure and good teams coming over which would mean better television rights.
"This would be great for our game.
"We are in the same situation Australia was in before they joined the AFC.
"We cannot afford one big game every four years. What does that generate? Very little."
