Fiji and New Caledonia Secure Semi-Final Spots in FIFA World Cup 2026™

Fiji and New Caledonia Advance After Hard-Fought Draw

Fiji and New Caledonia have booked their places in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Oceania Qualifiers, following a closely contested 1-1 draw in Port Moresby. The result eliminates Papua New Guinea from contention and confirms New Caledonia as Group winners, with Fiji finishing as runners-up.

Key Moments: Krishna and Katrawa Shine

The match saw limited chances early on, with both teams grappling with the 30°C heat. However, Fiji broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time. Star forward Roy Krishna was fouled in the box and coolly converted the penalty, putting his side ahead.

New Caledonia responded after the break with renewed energy. In the 58th minute, a brilliant run down the left by Abezeier Jeno set up Jean-Jacques Katrawa, who fired home to equalize. Katrawa nearly doubled his tally moments later, but Fiji goalkeeper Jerome Narayan made a crucial save to deny him.

Sweltering Conditions Take Their Toll

The intense heat and humidity impacted the players as the game progressed, with the tempo slowing significantly in the final stages. Neither team could find a winner, but both can take solace in securing semi-final berths in New Zealand next March.

Papua New Guinea Eliminated

The result ends Papua New Guinea’s hopes of advancing, with their final group match against Solomon Islands now a dead rubber.

Source: OFC