New Zealand secures World Cup qualification for the third time.

New Zealand qualified for the 2026 World Cup after defeating New Caledonia in the Oceania play-off.

The All Whites will play on football's greatest stage for the first time in 16 years next summer.

For the first time, Oceania has been given an automatic spot in the finals, bypassing the difficult intercontinental play-off that has frequently denied the federation representation at the World Cup.

New Zealand were overwhelming favourites for qualification, and they overcame a poor start to easily defeat the Pacific island nation.

Michael Boxall, 36, scored his first international goal for New Zealand, and Wellington Phoenix winger Kosta Barbarouses extended the lead shortly after. Eli Just clinched the victory and World Cup qualification in the 80th minute.

New Zealand will compete in the competition for the third time, following group stage exits in 1982 and 2010. Chris Wood, the nation's record scorer, is now enjoying a career-best season at Nottingham Forest and will captain the team in the finals.

New Zealand is the second team to secure qualification, following Japan. The co-hosts USA, Mexico, and Canada have also confirmed their participation.

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