The All Whites are one step closer to returning to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 16 years after defeating Fiji 7-0 in front of over 20,000 fans at Sky Stadium in Wellington in the Oceania Qualifiers semi-final.

The comprehensive win sees the All Whites qualify for the final against New Caledonia, who defeated Tahiti 3-0 in their semi-final earlier in the day, ensuring the two teams will come face-to-face on Monday night at Eden Park to fight for a place at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Head coach Darren Bazeley spoke before the game about his team looking to start strong, and that proved to be the case when talismanic captain Chris Wood found the back of the net within the opening seven minutes.

A precise cross from Sarpreet Singh found the head of Wood in the box, who powered it home from close range to the jubilation of the home crowd.

Singh then turned from provider to goal scorer in the 16th minute after some neat footwork from Marko Stamenić, who crossed for the All Whites’ No. 10 to poke home.

Just after the 20-minute mark, it was three after a Matt Garbett free-kick was met by Tyler Bindon, although the goal was later deemed to have come off a Fiji player for an own goal.

 

The final goal of the first half arguably got the biggest cheer, as Wellington Phoenix’s Tim Payne fired in a powerful shot in his home stadium.

The second half saw the All Whites extend their lead with two Chris Wood headers in quick succession (56th and 60th minute), taking the team to six, completing Wood’s hat-trick and bringing his tally to 44 international goals.

With the game looking out of reach for Fiji, Wood was substituted for Kosta Barbarouses, who then added to the All Whites’ tally himself.

Fellow substitute Francis de Vries put in a great cross to find Barbarouses, who hammered home on the volley.

A late missed penalty saw the All Whites miss the opportunity to make it eight, but they can leave the capital satisfied that they had thoroughly beaten their opponents to secure a place in the final on Monday.

To book tickets for the All Whites vs New Caledonia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 – Oceania Qualifiers final, visit Ticketek.

Article added: Friday 21 March 2025