The Ford Football Ferns are tonight aiming to proceed to their seventh FIFA Women's World Cup appearance.

But New Zealand must get past Papua New Guinea in the OFC 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification final at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland, if they're to book their ticket to Brazil next year.

The Lakatois, as they're affectionally nicknamed in reference to a Motuan sailing vessel, made tonight's final after defeating American Samoa 1-0 in Kirikiriroa Hamilton thanks to a strike from Keren Kalapai.

Following that result, New Zealand defeated Fiji 5-0 to book their place in the decider.

The semi-finals at FMG Stadium Waikato had originally been scheduled for Sunday 12 April, but were brought forward a day because of severe weather warnings from Cyclone Vaianu over the weekend.

The winner will qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, and the runner-up will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs.

Ford Football Ferns captain Kate Taylor says New Zealand will look to build from Saturday's win.

"I think we're still obviously building our own principles and how we want to play and I think the public and the team itself saw that the other night.

"I think for us just building on that, bringing it back up to Auckland and yeah, hopefully putting on a good show for everyone.

"I think for us as a team, we want to play exciting football. I think the way that the Women's game is going, you're kind of seeing that being shown across the world in many different places.

"So, I think for us as a team, we want to be a part of that but also put our own spin on that and I think, as New Zealand, we can definitely do that and I think what you saw the other night with us, you know, combining in between lines and scoring some really nice goals."

Ford Football Ferns coach Michael Mayne says the team is excited at the prospect of assuring a place in Brazil next year in front of their fans and secure what would be a sixth consecutive appearance at a FIFA Women's World Cup since 2007.

"I think it's one of those ones where you get trapped in the occasion of really looking at everything they do. I mean, we can't anticipate everything they're going to do.

"But you know, it's about what we're trying to do and how we want to play regardless of what they do. So, yeah, again, we take the scouting piece seriously. We know there are potential threats, but we also have seen some opportunities where we can progress and go out there and do a good job.

"We're just really hopeful that there's a strong crowd out there that we can connect with. We spoke around being back at home, every opportunity we get when we're on the pitch to try and bring that group of people that have come out to see us play into those little huddles, those little celebrations, we get a lot of energy out of that.

"We spoke about it before the semi-final, but how many times do you get an opportunity to win something and win a tournament like this and, you know, book a ticket to Brazil in front of your own crowd. So, there's a lot of good energy in the team and we're looking forward to it."

The Oceania 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification final kicks off at 7pm and will be available live and free on FIFA+.

Article added: Wednesday 15 April 2026