New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Fiji Secure FIFA U-17 World Cup Spots

The FIFA Under-17 World Cup will feature New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Fiji following their outstanding performances in the OFC Under-16 Men’s Championship. This tournament concluded on Saturday in Honiara, with New Zealand triumphing over New Caledonia 2-0 in a closely contested final. With this victory, New Zealand secured its fourth consecutive OFC title.

In the final, New Zealand showcased resilience, especially against a New Caledonia team that had previously managed to draw with them during the group stage. The match unfolded at the National Stadium, where Jack Clegg opened the scoring for New Zealand in the first half. His teammate, Ben Perez-Baldoni, increased the lead with a well-placed volley, ensuring their place in the upcoming World Cup.

Both finalists earned their spots in the global event, scheduled to take place in November 2026. Fiji also qualified after a narrow 1-0 victory against Papua New Guinea in the third-place playoff. This marks Fiji’s second consecutive appearance at the Under-17 World Cup, having also participated last year.

New Zealand’s coach, Martin Bullock, expressed pride in his team’s performance. “Incredible and probably a matured performance and they did manage the game really well,” he said. His comments reflect the team’s commitment and ability to work together effectively throughout the tournament.

In Fiji’s match, Ryan Achari emerged as a crucial player, scoring in the 20th minute. Despite facing significant pressure from Papua New Guinea’s offense, Fiji’s defense held strong until the final whistle. Fijian captain Maikah Dau praised his team’s effort, stating, “It was a tough match and I was happy we made it in the end.” He acknowledged the challenge of repeating their success but celebrated their achievement, saying, “Hats off to the boys for their hard work throughout the pool games and throughout the semifinals and in this match as well.”

The FIFA Under-17 World Cup is set to commence on November 3, 2026, in Qatar, with anticipation building for the matches ahead. For New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Fiji, this tournament represents another opportunity to showcase their talent on the global stage.