A brilliant display by Chris Wood, who scored a hat-trick, propelled New Zealand to an impressive 8-0 victory over Samoa in the final Group B match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers. This dominant performance not only showcased New Zealand’s strength but also highlighted their status as one of the top teams in the region.
Samoa, ranked 186th in the FIFA World Rankings, faced a challenging matchup against the All Whites, who are positioned at 91st. Right from the start, New Zealand established control, although Samoa’s defense showed resilience, making it difficult for the Kiwis to score early.
New Zealand’s breakthrough came in the 24th minute when Callum McCowatt capitalized on a saved shot to net his fourth goal for the national team. Chris Wood then made his mark, scoring three goals in quick succession, bringing his international tally to 41. Other players contributed to the scoreboard, including Marco Stamenic, Francis de Vries—who scored his first international goal with a fantastic volley—and Ben Waine, who sealed the win with a penalty in injury time.
With this resounding victory, New Zealand finished top of their group, setting the stage for a semi-final clash against Fiji next March. Meanwhile, New Caledonia and Tahiti will face off in the other semi-final.
This performance not only reflects the potential of New Zealand’s team but also serves as an inspiring showcase for footballing talent in the region. As the All Whites prepare for their semi-final, their confidence and momentum are poised to carry them forward in the quest for World Cup qualification.
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