New Zealand have qualified for the 2027 Women’s World Cup with a 1-0 win over Papua New Guinea in the OFC final match on WED 15 APR 2026. PNG will make a second consecutive appearance in the playoffs.

The Football Ferns opened the elimination phase with a comfortable 5-0 win over Fiji. PNG proved a sterner test in the final, as goalkeeper Betty SAM extended her shutout streak through the first 45 minutes. Early in the second half, New Zealand took the lead from a header by Katie KITCHING and held on for the victory.

New Zealand confirm their sixth consecutive appearance and seventh overall at the Women’s World Cup. Meanwhile, PNG will compete in the playoffs starting in NOV 2026.

• Qualified: New Zealand
• Advance to playoffs: Papua New Guinea
• Eliminated: American Samoa, Fiji