New Zealand today became the second nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after a 3-0 win over New Caledonia, although the victory came at a cost with top scorer Chris Wood suffering an injury.
Wood, who has spearheaded Nottingham Forest’s remarkable season in the Premier League which could end with qualification for the Champions League, hurt his right hip three minutes into the second half.
He tried to carry on but had to depart after 54 minutes wincing in pain.
The All Whites actually improved after he exited and took the lead eight minutes later when Michael Boxall rose highest to power home Francis de Vries’ corner.
Kosta Barbarouses, Wood’s replacement, added a second after 67 minutes before he then set up Elijah Just to make it 3-0 and seal New Zealand’s passage to the finals next summer in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
WE’RE GOING TO THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP! 🏆🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/YWv5thkR5V
— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) March 24, 2025
Boss Bazeley frustrated despite qualification
Boss Darren Bazeley said: “It was frustrating because the boys wanted to qualify and play well. They wanted to replicate Friday [a 7-0 win over Fiji] but it didn’t quite play out like that. We were talking about keeping calm. It was coming but obviously we had to change what we were doing.”
On Wood, he added: “I’m not sure yet.
“It was when he had that chance and nearly scored, which is a shame. It’s not ideal losing our captain and our goal scorer.”
SEE YOU IN ‘26 🇳🇿🏆 pic.twitter.com/PiCofS1bVn
— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) March 24, 2025
