New Zealand secured a spot in the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers, defeating Fiji 7-0 in an impressive semi-final match held in Auckland. The All Whites showcased a dominant performance, highlighted by forward Chris Wood, who scored a remarkable hat-trick.
New Zealand started the match strong, utilizing their pace and movement to outmaneuver Fiji in front of a passionate home crowd. The scoring opened when Wood connected with a cross from Sarpreet Singh, nodding it past Fiji’s goalkeeper Jerome Narayan. Just ten minutes later, Singh found the net himself, following an excellent assist from Marko Stamenic.
Fiji, despite their efforts to mount a comeback, struggled to find their rhythm as New Zealand’s defense stifled any counter-attacks. The All Whites added a third goal from a cross by Tim Payne, which was inadvertently directed in by Fiji’s Scott Wara. Soon after, Payne notched his first international goal since 2013 to extend the lead to 4-0.
After halftime, the Kiwis continued their offensiveness, with Wood scoring twice more, ultimately leading to a 6-0 total. Late in the match, substitute Francis De Vries assisted Kosta Barbarouses, sealing the deal with New Zealand’s seventh goal. Fiji came close to getting a consolation goal, hitting the post, but the All Whites countered effectively.
This significant victory allows New Zealand to prepare for their upcoming match against New Caledonia in the finals, with hopes of further advancing in the World Cup qualification process. The team’s performance has not only boosted their confidence but also reaffirmed their status as strong contenders in the Oceania region.
In previous matches, New Zealand demonstrated similar dominance, including an earlier 8-0 victory against Samoa, showcasing the team’s attacking prowess and depth. Their recent performances have inspired optimism among fans as they extend their winning streak in pursuit of World Cup qualification.
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