ZB ZB
Opinion
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

"Expectations should be high": All Whites secure spot at FIFA World Cup

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Tue, 25 Mar 2025, 8:37am
New Zealand's Michael Boxall scores the opening goal, against New Caledonia in the Fifa World Cup 2026 - OFC Qualifiers Final at Eden Park. Photo / Photosport
New Zealand's Michael Boxall scores the opening goal, against New Caledonia in the Fifa World Cup 2026 - OFC Qualifiers Final at Eden Park. Photo / Photosport

"Expectations should be high": All Whites secure spot at FIFA World Cup

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Tue, 25 Mar 2025, 8:37am

The All Whites have secured a spot at next year's expanded football World Cup, beating New Caledonia 3-nil in the Oceania qualifying final at Auckland. 

New Zealand needed an hour to score when defender Michael Boxall headed in from a corner - replacements Kosta Barbarouses and Elijah Just also struck. 

This marks the third time the All Whites have qualified for the World Cup, which now accommodates 48 rather than 32 teams. 

NZ Football CEO Andrew Pragnell told Mike Hosking this is probably the greatest group of talent they’ve ever seen in the men’s space. 

He says expectations should be high, and this group has the capability to not only win games, but get out of the group round. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you