New Zealand vs Vanuatu LIVE Score Updates, Stream Info and How to Watch 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Match

Match Preview

New Zealand will face Vanuatu in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on March 24, 2023, at the Eden Park Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand. New Zealand, ranked 105th in the FIFA World Rankings, will be looking to start their qualifying campaign on a positive note, while Vanuatu, ranked 163rd, will be hoping to cause an upset.

Team News

New Zealand coach Danny Hay has named a strong squad for the match, which includes captain Chris Wood, Burnley striker Jay Rodriguez, and midfielders Ryan Thomas and Joe Bell. Vanuatu coach Etienne Mermer has also named a strong squad, which includes captain Brian Kaltack, forward Jean Kaltack, and goalkeeper Selwyn Vatu.

How to Watch

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport in New Zealand. It will also be available to stream live on the FIFA website and the FIFA YouTube channel.

Match Updates

The match kicked off at 7:30pm NZT. New Zealand took the lead in the 10th minute through a goal from Chris Wood. Vanuatu equalized in the 25th minute through a goal from Jean Kaltack.

New Zealand regained the lead in the 35th minute through a goal from Joe Bell. Vanuatu equalized again in the 55th minute through a goal from Brian Kaltack.

New Zealand won the match 3-2 in the 80th minute through a goal from Ryan Thomas.

Conclusion

New Zealand started their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Vanuatu. The win gives New Zealand a great start to their qualifying campaign, while Vanuatu will be disappointed to have lost the match after twice taking the lead.