In the final of the region’s qualification on March 24, the New Zealanders confidently defeated the new Caledonia with a score of 3: 0.
The score opened Michael Boxall in the 61st minute, then Costa Barbaruss doubled the advantage of the 66th, and the point in the meeting was set by Elija Justi in the 80th minute.
Earlier, on March 21, in the semifinals, New Zealand defeated Fiji (7-0), and New Calendia overcame Taiti (3-0).
This is the third output of New Zealand to the World Cup in History, the previous attempts were in 1982 and 2010. For the last time, the New Zealand team stopped at the group stage, but did not lose any match, leaving behind even the current world champion-Italy.
New Zealand has become a fifth national team that has already secured the 2026 World Cup. In addition, Japan, as well as the hosts of the US, Canada and Mexico, will play the tournament.
The team of New Caledonia, despite the defeat, still has a chance to get to the mundial. Thanks to the release of the selection finals, it will play in the intercontinental playoffs, whose matches will take place in March 2026.
Qualification of the World Cup 2026. Oceania. Final, March 24
New Caledonia – New Zealand – 0: 3
Goals: Boxalle, 61, Barbaruss, 66, Just, 80
Play-off grid
We’re Going to The 2026 FIFA World Cup! 🏆🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/ywv5thkr5V
– New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@nz_football) March 24, 2025
NEW ZEAAND HAVE BOOKED THEIR TICKET TO #Weare26! 🇳🇿👏 #fifaworldcup | @Nz_football
– FIFA World Cup (@fifaworldcup) March 24, 2025
See you in ’26 🇳🇿🏆 pic.twitter.com/picofs1bvn
– New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@nz_football) March 24, 2025
Source: Sport.ua