Tāmaki Makaurau , AOTEAROA – New Zealand has qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil next year after a 1-0 win over Papua New Guinea this week.
Head coach Michael Mayne (Ngāti Awa, Ngāpuhi), alongside Māori players Grace Jale, Claudia Bunge and Manaia Elliot, were all involved in the match, with Jale and Bunge starting and Elliot coming off the bench.
A second-half header from Katie Kitching sealed New Zealand’s win over Papua New Guinea in the Fifa Women’s World Cup 2027 Oceania Qualifiers final at North Harbour Stadium.
The result capped a dominant qualifying campaign for the Football Ferns, who scored 25 goals without conceding and sealed their place at a seventh Fifa Women’s World Cup.
Runners-up Papua New Guinea still retain hopes of reaching the World Cup and have secured a place in the World Cup inter-confederation playoffs, scheduled for December 2026 and February 2027.
A spokesperson for Māori Football Aotearoa said:
“This is a great achievement by the team and players and we send our hearty congratulations to everyone involved in reaching the finals in Brazil.
“We also acknowledge the performance of Papua New Guinea who played bravely in unfamiliar conditions and send them our best wishes for their inter-confederation playoff.
“It would be heartwarming to have two teams from Oceania in Brazil next year, so we will watch with great interest.
“To Claudia, Manaia, Grace and Michael, congratulations on presenting the best of yourselves in these qualifiers and making us all proud.”
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Story courtesy Māori Football Aotearoa Media
Image courtesy Phototek NZ
