New Zealand have defeated the Solomon Is 5-0 in the final match of the OFC qualifying tournament for the 2022 Men’s World Cup, played in Doha, Qatar on WED 30 MAR 2022. New Zealand advance to the CONCACAF/​OFC playoff against Costa Rica.

Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated travel restrictions in place throughout the Pacific region, the tournament was held THU 17-WED 30 MAR 2022 in Doha.

Tonga withdrew before the start of play due to the Hunga Tonga volcanic eruption, whilst the Cook Is and Vanuatu each had a number of positive COVID-19 tests in their squads. As a result, Group A was reduced to only two teams, and the Solomon Is claimed first place with a 3-1 win over Tahiti.

New Zealand defeated each of their Group B opponents whilst scoring twelve goals in the three matches. After a 1-0 win over Tahiti in the semifinals, they secured their playoff place by defeating the Solomon Is 5-0. Bill TUILOMA scored twice, and Chris WOOD added his fifth goal of the tournament to claim the Golden Boot.

New Zealand will face off against the fourth placed team in the CONCACAF final round, Costa Rica, in the CONCACAF/​OFC playoff in Doha in JUN 2022. The winner of the match qualifies for Qatar 2022.

• CONCACAF/​OFC playoff: Costa Rica-New Zealand
• Eliminated: Fiji, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Is, Tahiti