New Zealand join Japan as early qualifiers for 2026 World Cup
New Zealand qualified for their third men's World Cup following a 3-0 win over New Caledonia on Monday.
The expansion of the 2026 tournament to 48 teams means Oceania has one automatic spot and New Zealand have gobbled it up as expected.
The All Whites have normally had to qualify during play-offs, famously going on to draw with then-holders Italy in the group stage in 2010. They also qualified in 1982.
Michael Boxall, Kosta Barbarouses and Elijah Just grabbed the goals for New Zealand on Monday.
Japan beat Bahrain 2-0 last week and with it became the first team to qualify for next year's World Cup alongside hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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