North America will see Wood and Co: All Whites qualify for the World Cup
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 24.03.25. | 21:48
After the three co-hosts and Japan, New Zealand became the fifth national team which booked the ticket for the USA, Mexico, and Canada
Slowly but surely, there are fewer and fewer spots left in planes that will fly to North America - USA, Canada, and Mexico, to be precise - in June 2026. The three co-hosts were logically the first to qualify, while Japan secured their spot at the FIFA World Cup four days ago. Earlier today, we found out the name of another qualified team - New Zealand.
The popular All Whites beat New Caledonia 3-0 on the road and sealed the deal when it comes to the qualifiers thanks to Michael Boxall, Kosta Barbarouses, and Elijah Henry Just, who all scored after the break for a convincing and vital triumph.
WE’RE GOING TO THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP! 🏆🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/YWv5thkR5V
— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) March 24, 2025
Even though he failed to net, Chris Wood will be New Zealand's greatest strength, as Nottingham Forest striker and the scorer of 18 Premier League goals this season will lead the All Whites as the captain.
Despite the defeat, New Caledonia secured their spot in the Inter-confederation play-offs, where five more national teams - one each from Asia, Africa, and South America, and two from North America - will join them.
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The following World Cup will be the third time New Zealand managed to qualify for, after their maiden participation in 1982, when they finished the group stage with three losses, and 2010, when they remained unbeaten, salvaging three draws in as many group stage games.
Still, it wasn't enough to advance. Perhaps this time, the All Whites' fortunes will change.
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