New Zealand has become the second team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the qualifiers.
After a goalless first half, New Zealand found the net three times within 19 minutes against New Caledonia. With this impressive 3-0 victory, they ended a long wait and booked their place in the World Cup.
In the final of the third round of the Oceania qualifiers, held in Auckland on Monday, New Zealand secured their first World Cup ticket since 2010.
By qualifying as the second team, New Zealand joined next year’s World Cup lineup. Just a few days ago, Japan became the first team from Asia to book their spot.
The 48-team World Cup will take place in June-July next year, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Alongside the three host nations, two more teams have now confirmed their spots.
This will be New Zealand’s third appearance at the World Cup. They previously participated in the 1982 and 2010 editions.
Meanwhile, New Caledonia, a small French-administered island in the South Pacific, still has a chance to qualify. Ranked 152nd in FIFA rankings, they can secure a spot through the intercontinental playoffs.
