Four teams compete for World Cup spot in Wellington

Fiji, New Zealand, Tahiti, and New Caledonia are competing for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup during the OFC qualifiers. The semifinals will take place tomorrow at Sky Stadium in Wellington. New Caledonia will play Tahiti first at 3 PM, followed by Fiji versus New Zealand at 7 PM. The winning teams will advance to the final in Auckland on Monday. Coaches and players from each team spoke to the media ahead of the matches. New Caledonia's coach Johan Sidaner mentioned previous political unrest in his territory, adding that it was a challenge for the team. However, this difficulty has motivated the players. Sidaner expressed pride in reaching the semifinals amid these struggles. Tahiti's coach Samuel Garcia acknowledged the upcoming match will be tough but shared excitement about facing New Caledonia. He stated his team is well-prepared and focused on the game. New Caledonia's player Jaushua Sotirio expressed joy about returning to a familiar stadium. He highlighted his family's footballing legacy and the significance of competing for a World Cup spot. On the other hand, Fiji's coach Rob Sherman described their match against New Zealand as a David versus Goliath scenario. Sherman believes his team can win and sees this as a chance for Pacific representation in the World Cup. Fiji's captain, Filipe Baravilala, noted that adapting to the colder weather would be a challenge but emphasized their commitment. He also shared his personal pride in reaching this stage, having previously represented Fiji at international events. New Zealand's coach Darren Bazeley acknowledged their favorite status but cautioned that Fiji will pose challenges. Team captain Chris Wood stressed the importance of these qualifying matches for New Zealand. The winner of the OFC qualifier will secure a place in the 2026 World Cup, while the runner-up will have another chance through a playoff against teams from other confederations.