Chris Wood led New Zealand to a commanding 3-0 victory over Tahiti in their opening match of Group B at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers held in Port Vila. The match took place at the VFF Freshwater Stadium, marking New Zealand’s return to the venue where they claimed the OFC Men’s Nations Cup title in June.
The All Whites wasted no time, scoring just two minutes into the game when Elijah Just struck a spectacular left-footed shot that found the top of the net. Wood, who recently scored for Nottingham Forest against Chelsea in the English Premier League, added to the scoreline in the 68th minute. Unmarked at the far post during a corner, he directed a header into the net, notching his 35th international goal.
With a two-goal lead, coach Darren Bazeley made substitutions, bringing in Kostas Barbarouses and Storm Roux. The match concluded with Ben Waine sealing the win with a goal in the 89th minute, ensuring New Zealand secured all three points comfortably.