New Zealand secure ticket for 2026 WC with win over New Caledonia

New Zealand reached the World Cup for only the third time with a 3-0 win over New Caledonia on Monday but lost in-form Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood to injury.

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The All Whites join already qualified Japan and co-hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico at next year's finals thanks to three second-half goals.

But the victory in Auckland in the final of Oceania qualifying came at a cost, with skipper Wood suffering what appeared to be a hip injury.

Soon after half time at Eden Park, Wood hurt himself swivelling for a shot and required treatment before hobbling off in the 54th minute.

"It’s not great for us losing our captain and our goalscorer. It was a difficult thing for the team but they came through so well," said New Zealand's English coach Darren Bazeley.

The hosts looked out of ideas after dominating the first half, but then up popped veteran defender Michael Boxall on 61 minutes to head home from a corner with his first goal for his country.

Five minutes later Wood's replacement Kosta Barbarouses chipped the ball over advancing New Caledonia goalkeeper Rocky Nyikeine.