One Step Away: All Whites Crush Fiji 7-0, Edge Closer to FIFA World Cup 2026

New Zealand’s long wait for a FIFA World Cup return is now near. The All Whites delivered a dominant 7-0 performance against Fiji in front of a roaring crowd of over 20,000 at Wellington’s Sky Stadium, securing a place in the Oceania Qualifiers final.

The resounding victory means New Zealand will now face New Caledonia—who earlier dispatched Tahiti 3-0—in a crucial showdown at Eden Park on Monday night. The winner will secure a coveted ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Lightning Start Sets the Tone

Head coach Darren Bazeley emphasized the importance of a strong start, and his squad delivered. Captain Chris Wood wasted no time, heading home a pinpoint cross from Sarpreet Singh in just the seventh minute, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

Singh quickly turned from provider to scorer in the 16th minute, capitalizing on Marko Stamenić’s dazzling footwork and a well-placed cross to slot home New Zealand’s second.

Just past the 20-minute mark, a Matt Garbett free-kick caused havoc in the box, leading to an own goal from a Fiji defender—giving the All Whites a comfortable 3-0 lead.

The biggest cheer of the first half, however, came courtesy of Wellington Phoenix’s Tim Payne, who unleashed a thunderous strike to make it 4-0 before halftime.

Wood Runs Riot in the Second Half

The All Whites showed no mercy after the break, with Chris Wood continuing his dominance. The Nottingham Forest striker netted two headers quickly (56th and 60th minutes), sealing his hat-trick and extending his international goal tally to 44.

With the game well beyond Fiji’s reach, Wood was subbed off for Kosta Barbarouses, who wasted no time making his mark. A perfectly placed cross from Francis de Vries found Barbarouses, who volleyed home New Zealand’s seventh goal.

A late penalty miss denied the All Whites an eighth, but the dominant performance was more than enough to secure their place in Monday’s final.

Final Showdown Awaits at Eden Park

With just one hurdle left, the All Whites are now on the brink of history. A victory over New Caledonia will see New Zealand return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2010.

Fans eager to witness the decisive clash can secure their seats for the final at Eden Park by visiting Ticketek.

Kickoff: Monday, Eden Park, Auckland.

Tickets: Available at Ticketek.