'Hurting' New Zealand Determined To Reach FIFA World Cup: Coach
Heartbreaking near-misses will fire "hurting" New Zealand to their first football World Cup since 2010, their coach Darren Bazeley said on Wednesday, with the country two wins from the finals. Led by Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood, New Zealand are strong favourites to beat amateurs Fiji on Friday in Wellington and then seal qualification for 2026 by beating another regional minnow on Monday. The World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico has been expanded to 48 teams, meaning direct qualification for the best team from Oceania.


