A hard fought 3-0 win over American Samoa has guaranteed the Ford Football Ferns of top spot in Group A to complete the second phase of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Today’s result in Honiara, Solomon Islands, means Aotearoa New Zealand finish top of Group A with 9 points and will play the runner up of Group B in next month’s Semi-Final.

The two Semi-Finals will be played in Kirikiriroa Hamilton on Sunday 12 April, kicking off at 12pm and 4pm, at FMG Stadium Waikato.

The Final will be played in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on Wednesday 15 April, kicking off at 7pm, at North Harbour Stadium. 

New Zealand could again face American Samoa in that Final for a ticket to Brazil next year after they put on an impressive and physical defensive shift against the Kiwis.

The Ford Football Ferns were frustrated for much of the first half thanks to some resolute defending and timely shot stopping from the American Samoa keeper. After scoring in the opening minutes of their earlier two Group A games, the Ferns were staring at a goalless scoreline at halftime.

But just before the break, a Maya Hahn was pulled down in the box by an American Samoa defender, leaving the referee with no decision but to point to the spot. Up stepped Kelli Brown, whose shot proved too powerful for the outstretched arm of the goalkeeper.

The halftime break, along with the goal helped restore New Zealand’s composure, allowing the Kiwis to kick on in the second half. A 51^st minute corner allowing the Ford Football Ferns to double their lead, Claudia Bunge getting her head onto a cross from Michaela Foster, blasting the ball into the roof of the net to make it 2-0.

New Zealand scored 19 goals in total during their three matches in Honiara, but they arguably saved their best for last through Indiah-Paige Riley. The substitute playing a clever one-two with Hannah Blake before blasting a swerving shot into the top corner from out of the box.

Multiple offside calls and some extraordinary saves from American Samoa’s goalkeeper preventing the Ford Football Ferns from extending their lead as the match ended 3-0.

American Samoa finish Group A in second with 6 points and will join the Ford Football Ferns in next month’s third and final phase of FIFA World Cup qualifying in New Zealand.

Article added: Thursday 05 March 2026