New Zealand have taken the OFC’s first ever automatic place at the Men’s World Cup with a 3-0 win over New Caledonia in the final match. New Caledonia will have another chance to qualify in the playoffs.

Resolute defending by the Cagous kept the home side off the scoresheet until just after the hour mark, when defender Michael BOXALL headed in a corner. It was his first international goal, in his 55th match for the All Whites. Kosta BARBAROUSES and Elijah JUST added goals to secure New Zealand’s third Men’s World Cup appearance. New Caledonia still have an opportunity to qualify for the first time in their history through the playoffs.