New Caledonia eye historic FIFA World Cup berth in epic clash with New Zealand All Whites

Monday night’s match marks a significant moment as New Caledonia aim for their first appearance at the FIFA World Cup next year.

The tournament will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The New Caledonians face the New Zealand All Whites in the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) FIFA World Cup qualifying final, the first time a team from the region has had a direct path to the global tournament.

After beating Tahiti 3-0 in the qualifying semi-final on Friday, New Caledonia are determined to deliver a strong performance tonight.

Midfielder Jekob Jeno reflects on the challenges New Caledonia have faced and says there is a desire to instill hope in their supporters.

“We want to say, as New Caledonia, it is possible we can give hope. We just spoke about the war, we speak about football, about politics, because today we played with a hurt.

“It’s most special for us. It’s also for us to gain satisfaction, but the job is not finished.”

While New Caledonia have never competed in a FIFA World Cup, the prospect of making it to the finals is on the minds of their players tonight.

“We want to show our values, to show our strength, to show our confidence that we showed in the semi-final against Tahiti,” Jeno says. “Nothing is impossible in football.”

New Caledonian players celebrating after a goal. Photo/OFC Media.

On the other side, the All Whites are entering tonight's clash with confidence after their impressive 7-0 thumping of Fiji at Sky Stadium on Friday.

All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley shares his thoughts ahead of the game.

“It’s massive. The winner of this game goes to the World Cup, I don’t think it can get any better than that. To play at Eden Park, the national stadium, lovely pitch it’s special, so hopefully, it’s a great day.

“I think they’ve got some threats, a few players with a little bit of flair, creativity. I think it’s going to be a challenge.”

The All Whites thumped Fiji 7-0 at the weekend. Photo/OFC Media.

OFC pathway to the World Cup

Tonight's game is historic for Oceania Football, following a major change to the qualification pathway in 2016.

The winner of Monday’s match will secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the Americas. The losing team will have a second chance through a six-team intercontinental playoff scheduled later this month.

The All Whites aim to reach the World Cup for the third time, having previously qualified in 1982 and 2010, as they strive to make history for Oceania.

All Whites: Kosta Barbarouses, Joe Bell, Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Max Crocombe, Matt Garbett, Elijah Just, Callum McCowatt, Alex Paulsen, Tim Payne, Nando Pijnaker, Jesse Randall, Logan Rogerson, Storm Roux, Alex Rufer, Oli Sail, Sarpreet Singh, Tommy Smith, Marko Stamenic, Francis de Vries, Ben Waine, Chris Wood.

New Caledonia: Rocky Nyikéïne, Thomas Schmidt, Mickaël Ulikle, Emile Béaruné, Fonzy Ranchain, Joris Kenon, Bernard Iwa, Didier Simane, Joseph Athalé, Yoan Bearune, Pierre Bako, Jekob Jeno, Morgan Mathelon, Mickaël Paretodikromo, Shene Welepane, César Zéoula, Titouan Richard, Lues Waia, George Gope-Fenepej, Germain Haewegene, Jean-Jacques Katrawa, Gérard Waia, Jaushua Sotirio.