New Caledonia inch closer to first-ever FIFA World Cup as NZ end Fiji's dream run

New Caledonia are one step closer to making their debut in the FIFA World Cup™ after a convincing 3-0 victory against Tahiti in Wellington on Friday.

Georges Gope-Fenepej was the star of the match, scoring two goals. He dedicated the win to his family and the people of New Caledonia following months of political unrest in the French territory.

"These two goals are dedicated to my late brother, who passed away recently," Gope-Fenepej told media after the game.

"It's also dedicated to my country, New Caledonia. The two goals means so much to me and also for my family."

The French derby started competitively, with both looking for chances. Despite some early efforts, neither team could score in the first half.

Tahiti’s Eddy Kaspard was among his team's standout performers. His speed and skill created problems for New Caledonia’s defence.

In the second half, New Caledonia struck first. Thanks to some defensive mistakes from Tahiti, Gope-Fenepej opened the scoring with a clever goal after the Tahitian goalkeeper made an initial save.

Wellington's warm, humid conditions seemed to slow both teams down, but New Caledonia stayed in control.

Gope-Fenepej scored again later in the match, hitting a perfect shot over the goalkeeper to make it 2-0. A third goal came in the final moment when substitute Lues Waya scored after his shot took a slight deflection, sealing the win.

Things worsened for Tahiti when Pothin Poma received a red card for fouling a New Caledonia player with a clear chance to score.

With this win, New Caledonia now look forward to the final match on Monday in Auckland against New Zealand, which thrashed Fiji 7-0 earlier in the other semi-final.

New Zealand's captain, Chris Wood, who plays for English Premier League side Nottingham Forest, stood out with a hat-trick, while Sarpreet Singh, Tyler Bindon, Tim Payne, and Kosta Barbarouses also found the back of the net for the All Whites.

The Fiji Bula Boys almost grabbed a consolation but were denied by the post, as Christopher Wasasala’s effort beat Max Crocombe but not the woodwork.

Fiji coach Rob Sherman says he is proud of his team despite the thrashing.

New Caledonia's Georges Gope-Fenepej, right, celebrates one of his two goals against Tahiti. Photo/OFC/Shane Wenzlick

“They gave you 100 per cent,” he told TVNZ's Chris Chang and Paul Ifill after the match. “Inevitably, unfortunately, we were outclassed.”

Sherman says his team could not fully execute their attacking game plan to pressure the Kiwis.

“We did tirelessly try to do that, but in essence, you know, we got picked off and at times switched off.

“But, ultimately, the boys gave 100 per cent, and you cannot ever ask for more than that.”

Sherman remains hopeful about the future of soccer in the Oceania region, believing it could take time but will eventually improve with the proper support and programmes.

Fiji's Setareki Hughes, middle, tries to get away from the New Zealand defence in an international. Photo/File/Hagen Hopkins

“I think, you know, with the introduction of a number of FIFA programmes throughout the region that you’ll see … and it may well take 10 years … but you’ll see a complete transformation," he says.

“There is some immense talent throughout the region, but … it doesn’t or hasn’t had the environment that it really needs to flourish.

“The environment has been built, and I just hope that not only Fiji [but] the federations are patient enough to see [it] come to fruition because it takes a long time."

The final qualifier will take place at Eden Park. New Caledonia will aim to make history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.