New Zealand secured their place in the 2026 World Cup by defeating New Caledonia 3-0, with key contributions from veterans Michael Boxall and Kosta Barbarouses. Boxall scored his first national goal, followed by Barbarouses. Substitute Elijah Just sealed the victory with a third goal, ensuring a joyous celebration in Eden Park. This marks the All Whites' return to the World Cup finals for the first time since 2010, following a series of missed opportunities in previous qualifiers. The players celebrated their achievement, though captain Chris Wood's injury cast a slight shadow on the triumph.
We're going to another World Cup. I'm ecstatic," said 35-year-old winger Barbarouses, who missed out on selection for New Zealand's World Cup squad in 2010.
This is my fifth attempt to get to a World Cup. So I'm really sort of emotional, very happy and sort of had flashbacks of the last 15 years.
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