MATCH INFO:
All Whites vs New Caledonia
FIFA World Cup 2026 - Oceania Qualifiers Final
Monday 24 March KO 7pm
Eden Park, Auckland 

Watch live and free on FIFA+ as well as on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+ 

Book tickets from Ticketek

And so it all comes down to this.

Years of planning and preparation have led to tonight at Eden Park, with a clear mission for the All Whites: beat New Caledonia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 – Oceania Qualifiers Final, and you will be heading to the FIFA World Cup next year in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Darren Bazeley’s side are the favourites and had a good win over Fiji in Friday’s semi-final, but this is football, anything can happen.

A victory tonight would mark a historic moment for football in Aotearoa New Zealand, with the All Whites qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the third time in their history. 

New Caledonia, meanwhile, enter the match in strong form following a dominant win over Tahiti and will be determined to continue their winning run in Auckland and qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup.

 

Likely Team:

At the pre-match press conference, head coach Darren Bazeley confirmed that all players were available and all trained the day before the game.

Only Eli Just was a minor concern but it wasn’t expected to impact on his potential selection.

With competition for places across the pitch, several players who didn’t start in Wellington will be pushing for selection, and their chance to make history.


Head Coach Darren Bazeley on Playing for a Spot at the FIFA World Cup

“There were a lot of us involved in that Costa Rica game (the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier), and it hurt.

“It’s a long time every four years. We are so close now.

“When we come into these games, we know we are the favourites, and that creates different challenges… but with this group of players, they are so focused and determined… They aren’t going to slack off, there will be no complacency.”


Player to Watch – Georges Gope-Fenepej

The standout player in the semi-final, Georges Gope-Fenepej, scored two brilliant goals to help New Caledonia overcome Tahiti in Wellington.

The Saint-Pryvé Saint-Hilaire forward is prolific for his country and will be a constant threat throughout the match.


Where to Watch:

Watch live and free on FIFA+ as well as TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+

Article added: Monday 24 March 2025