In a stunning display of football, Chris Wood led New Zealand to a decisive 8-0 victory over Samoa during the final Group B match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers. Wood’s impressive hat-trick was the highlight of the match, as the All Whites showcased their dominance against a Samoan team currently ranked 186th in the FIFA World Rankings, significantly lower than New Zealand’s 91st place.
From the opening minutes, New Zealand focused on overcoming the resilient and amateur Samoan defense. Despite Samoan goalkeeper Pele Fatu making several brilliant saves early on, Callum McCowatt broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, scoring his fourth goal for the national team. Wood quickly followed, scoring his 39th and 40th international goals just before halftime, leaving Samoa trailing 3-0 at the break.
After the halftime interval, New Zealand continued their relentless attack. Wood scored again early in the second half, his 41st goal for his country, with Marco Stamenic, Francis de Vries, Elijah Just, and Ben Waine also contributing to the final tally. The match concluded with New Zealand firmly in control, setting the stage for a semifinal clash against Fiji next March, while New Caledonia and Tahiti will compete in the other semifinal.
This performance not only reflects New Zealand’s strength in the tournament but also indicates the team’s readiness and confidence as they advance toward their next challenge. The All Whites’ ability to score eight goals also highlights the potential for even greater success in the upcoming semifinals, igniting hope among fans for their journey in the qualifiers.
Overall, this victory serves as a testament to New Zealand’s footballing prowess and marks a significant milestone as they pursue World Cup dreams.
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