The All Whites kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying journey with a 3-0 win against Tahiti in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
Eli Just opened the scoring just 91 seconds into the match, sending a curling shot into the net after a defense-splitting pass from Alex Rufer.
Despite Tahiti’s defensive block and the All Whites’ control of possession, they struggled to extend their lead before halftime, with Ben Old coming closest by hitting the post in the 40th minute.
In the second half, the All Whites’ persistent pressure paid off when captain Chris Wood headed home a corner in the 67th minute to make it 2-0. Substitute Ben Waine sealed the victory with an instinctive finish in the final minute of normal time, securing a strong start to New Zealand’s World Cup qualification.
Head coach Darren Bazeley praised his team’s resilience in tough conditions and is now preparing for an international friendly against Malaysia in Auckland.
The Woodsman delivers yet again 🌳🔥@NFFC’s Chris Wood with the second against Tahiti in our first World Cup qualifying match 🇳🇿⚔️🇵🇫 pic.twitter.com/gyIlOIFgnV
— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) October 11, 2024
