New Zealand qualify for World Cup but lose Chris Wood to injury

New Zealand secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 3-0 victory over New Caledonia in the final of Oceania qualifying on Monday, but the win was overshadowed by an injury to captain Chris Wood.

The Nottingham Forest striker, who has been in outstanding form with 18 Premier League goals this season, suffered an apparent hip injury early in the second half at Eden Park. Wood went down attempting a shot and was forced off in the 54th minute.

“It’s not great for us losing our captain and our goalscorer. It was a difficult thing for the team but they came through so well,” New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley said.

After a frustrating first half, Michael Boxall broke the deadlock in the 61st minute, heading in from a corner for his first international goal. Five minutes later, substitute Kosta Barbarouses doubled the lead with a delicate chip over New Caledonia goalkeeper Rocky Nyikeine. Eli Just completed the scoring from close range in the 80th minute.

New Zealand have now qualified for the World Cup for the third time, having previously appeared in 1982 and 2010. The expansion of the tournament to 48 teams granted direct qualification to the Oceania champions, who previously had to navigate intercontinental playoffs.

“Once the World Cup expanded we expected this of ourselves,” Boxall said. “It’s not about getting there, it’s about what we do when we get there.”

(Source: AFP)