Following the Japanese men's football team, the New Zealand team qualified for the 2026 World Cup finals, the third time in team history

On the 24th local time, the New Zealand national men's football team defeated French New Caledonia in the South Pacific 3-0 and advanced to the World Cup finals for the third time. However, striker Wood who currently plays for Nottingham Forest went off injured during the game.

The New Zealand men's national football team defeated French New Caledonia in the South Pacific 3-0 to qualify for the World Cup finals for the third time

Agence France-Presse reported that the New Zealand men's national football team, known as the "All Whites", entered the main match of the 2026 men's World Cup with three goals in the second half. In addition to co-hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico, Japan became the first team to qualify for the finals, with New Zealand following suit on the same day.

However, New Zealand's victory in the final of the 2026 World Cup Oceania qualifiers in Auckland came at a cost, with in-form captain Wood appearing to suffer a hip injury during the game.

The game was played at Eden Park Stadium and Wood limped in the 54th minute after suffering an injury sustained when he turned to shoot shortly after the start of the second half, requiring treatment. New Caledonia's hopes of qualifying are not entirely dashed. They will advance to the intercontinental play-offs, with six nations battling it out for the final two qualifying spots. Next year's World Cup format has been expanded to 48 teams, meaning that for the first time, the winners of the Oceania side tournament will advance directly to the main event.