New Zealand began their campaign in Group B of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers with a decisive 3-0 victory over Tahiti at the VFF Freshwater Stadium in Port Vila. Captain Chris Wood led the team to this impressive win, returning to the venue where they had triumphed in the OFC Men’s Nations Cup four months ago.
The All Whites wasted no time establishing their dominance, with Elijah Just scoring in just two minutes with a spectacular left-footed shot that went into the roof of the net. Wood, who had recently netted a goal for Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League, added to the scoreline in the 68th minute. He found space at the far post during a corner kick and directed a header into the corner, marking his 35th international goal.
With a comfortable two-goal lead, coach Darren Bazeley opted to make substitutions, bringing on Kostas Barbarouses and Storm Roux. Ben Waine capped off the match with a goal in the 89th minute, ensuring that New Zealand secured all three points with a convincing display.