New Zealand qualify for 2026 World Cup, ending 16 year wait

New Zealand became just the fifth side to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup thanks to a 3-0 win over New Caledonia.

New Zealand looked to be heading for a frustrating result in the second half, especially after captain and talisman Chris Wood was forced off the pitch due to injury nine minutes into the second half.

However, with the home crowd now on their feet, they managed to pick up the pace.

Michael Boxall opened the scoring with a superb header off a corner on 61 minutes.

It was his first-ever goal for New Zealand and was met with a sigh of relief from a now-tense Eden Park in Auckland.

Kosta Barbarouses doubled New Zealand's lead soon after, before Eli Just wrapped up the result in the 80th minute.

"This is my fifth attempt to get to a World Cup," Barbarouses told ESPN.

"I'm really emotional, very happy, had flashbacks to the last 15 years. We're going to another World Cup, I'm ecstatic."

New Zealand last played at the World Cup in 2010 in South Africa.

The win means next year New Zealand will make their third appearance at the World Cup finals, benefiting from FIFA's decision to offer the tiny Oceania Confederation a confirmed place at the 2026 tournament which has been expanded to 48 teams.