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New Zealand seal their World Cup place! Chris Wood and Co. qualify for 2026 showpiece event in USA, Canada and Mexico after 16-year absence

<p>The All Whites had their work cut out in the final of the OFC World Cup qualifiers against New Caledonia, with the first half goalless. They were then rocked by captain Chris Wood being forced off when the Nottingham Forest star picked up a hip injury early in the second period. Michael Boxall finally broke the deadlock just past the hour mark and Kosta Barbarouses soon doubled his team's lead. Elijah Just then scored the third and final goal in the 80th minute to seal a World Cup place.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>It will only be New Zealand's third World Cup appearance in 2026 in North America as they return to the showpiece event after a gap of 16 years. Their last appearance was in South Africa in 2010, where they finished third in the group. They drew all of their games including an impressive performance against then-defending champions Italy.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>The All Whites greatly benefitted from FIFA's decision to grant nations from the Oceania Confederation a guaranteed spot at the World Cup from the 2026 edition.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>The OFC nation will be back in action in June when they are scheduled to face Ivory Coast in an international friendly.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR NEW ZEALAND?

New Zealand seal their World Cup place! Chris Wood and Co. qualify for 2026 showpiece event in USA, Canada and Mexico after 16-year absence | Goal.com

New Zealand have secured a berth at the 2026 World Cup as they prepare to return to the tournament for the first time in 16 years.