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Fiji, New Caledonia and New Zealand set for FIFA Under-17 World Cup
Iliesa Tora, RNZ Pacific senior sports journalist
Oceania's top three teams from the OFC Under-16 Men's Championship, New Zealand, New Caledonia and Fiji, have booked their places for the Under-17 World Cup in 2026.
New Zealand claimed the OFC title yet again on Saturday in Honiara, edging New Caledonia 2-0 in a tense final at the National Stadium.
It was their fourth title in four years.
OFC reported Martin Bullock's side had to dig deep against the only team to have taken points off them in the group stage, where New Caledonia had held them to a draw.
The two finalists both secured their spots at the world meet.
Fiji joined them for the second consecutive year, following their 1-0 win over Papua New Guinea in the third place play-off.
All three teams are also in this year's FIFA Under-17 World Cup, in Qatar in November, having also finished as the top three at the OFC Under-16 event last year.
In Saturday's final, Jack Clegg scored in the first spell to give New Zealand a 1-0 advantage over New Caledonia.
Their second goal came via Ben Perez-Baldoni, who volleyed the ball to the back of the net.
Winning coach Bullock said they played as a team and got the win in the end.
"Incredible and probably a matured performance and they did manage the game really well," he said.
"I am really pleased with everyone involved."
In the third place play-off Fiji's hero was Ryan Achari, who scored in the 20th minute.
That then saw the Fijians play defensively to thwart PNG's numerous attacking opportunities, until the final whistle.
Fijian captain Maikah Dau said it was a tough match and he was happy they made it in the end.
"It was a great game; they gave us a tough battle," he said.
Dau led the Fijians to earning world cup status last year and will feature at this year's event. He said it is an honour to do that.
"I know it is always tough to go back to back, but yeah, we've done it, and am very thankful.
"Hats off to the boys for their hard work throughout the pool games and throughout the semifinals and in this match as well."
This year's FIFA Under-17 World Cup kicks off on 3 November.
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