Chris Wood led New Zealand to a dominant 3-0 victory over Tahiti in the opening match of Group B at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers held in Port Vila. Returning to the VFF Freshwater Stadium for the first time since their triumph in the OFC Men’s Nations Cup in June, coach Darren Bazeley’s team resumed their successful form from nearly four months ago.
The All Whites quickly opened the scoring just two minutes into the match when Elijah Just launched a stunning left-footed shot into the top corner of the net. Wood, fresh off a goal for Nottingham Forest against Chelsea in the English Premier League, added to the tally in the 68th minute. Unmarked at the far post during a corner kick, he directed a header into the net, marking his 35th international goal.
With a comfortable two-goal lead, Bazeley made tactical substitutions, introducing Kostas Barbarouses and Storm Roux. Ben Waine capped the match with a third goal in the 89th minute, ensuring New Zealand secured all three points with ease.