SydneycTypeface:> New Zealand qualified for their third men’s World Cup following a 3-0 win over New Caledonia on Monday. The expansion of the 2026 tournament to 48 teams means Oceania has one automatic spot and New Zealand have gobbled it up as expected. The All Whites have normally had to qualify during play-offs, famously going on to draw with then-holders Italy in the group stage in 2010. They also qualified in 1982. Michael Boxall, Kosta Barbarouses and Elijah Just grabbed the goals in Auckland on Monday, after striker and captain Chris Wood had gone off injured early in the second half. Barbarouses was quoted as saying by fifa.com: “This is my fifth attempt to get to a World Cup and I’m so emotional and happy. I was having flashbacks from the last 15 years; I’m just so happy to contribute and help get the team over the line.” Japan beat Bahrain 2-0 last week and with it became the first team to qualify for next year’s World Cup alongside hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico. New Caledonia - with a population of less than 300,000 - still have a chance to reach their first World Cup via the intercontinental play-offs involving six teams next March. (dpa)
