New Zealand today became the second nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after a 3-0 win over New Caledonia, though the victory came at a cost with top scorer Chris Wood suffered injury.
Wood, who is pioneering Nottingham Forest’s notable season in the Premier League, which could end with qualifications for the Champions League, hurt his right hip three minutes in the second half.
He tried to continue, but had to depart after 54 minutes with pain.
All Whites really improved after the exit and took the lead eight minutes later, when Michael Boxall increased higher on Power Home Francis de Vries’ Corner.
Kosta’s barbarians, replacing Wood, added a second after 67 minutes before Elias installed only to make it 3-0 and seal New Zealand’s passage to the finals next summer in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
We go to the FIFA 2026 World Cup! 🏆🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/ywv5THKR5V
– New Zealand football 🇳🇿 (@nz_football) March 24 2025
Boss Bazeley disappointed in spite of qualifications
Boss Darren Bazeley said: “It was frustrating because the boys wanted to qualify and play well, they wanted to reproduce Friday (a 7-0 win over Fiji), but it didn’t play enough, we were talking to maintain it.
In the wood, he added: “I’m not still sure.
“It was when he had the opportunity and almost noted, which is a shame. It is not ideal to lose our captain and our scorer.”
We say it in ’26 🇳🇿🏆 pic.twitter.com/PICOFS1BVN
– New Zealand football 🇳🇿 (@nz_football) March 24 2025
