A hard fought 1-0 win over Papua New Guinea in Auckland has secured the Ford Football Ferns a place in Brazil for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

The result in the OFC Qualifier Final, means New Zealand will participate at their seventh FIFA Women's World Cup and sixth consecutive since the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in China.

It also means for just the second time in history, New Zealand Football's senior men's and women's teams will compete at FIFA World Cups in consecutive years. The last time being when the All Whites participated in South Africa 2010 and the Ford Football Ferns in Germany 2011.

But New Zealand's entry to next year's tournament in Brazil was by no means straight forward against Papua New Guinea at North Harbour Stadium.

The Lakatois, as they're affectionally nicknamed in reference to a Motuan sailing vessel, stonewalled the dominant Kiwi attack for nearly an hour of play. Papua New Guinea goalkeeper Betty Sam, who made dozens of saves, the chief culprit in frustrating the Ferns and the North Harbour Stadium crowd.

Add to that, New Zealand forward Deven Jackson had two goals chalked off by late offside calls and the Video Assistant Referee also pulled back an on-field penalty decision after a lengthy delay. The Ford Football Ferns would also be denied by the woodwork four times and passed up a number of chances to score.

But New Zealand's persistence did eventually prevail in the 55th minute, as Katie Kitching rose highest at the heart of the box to header home a pinpoint cross from Gabi Rennie to finally break the deadlock and the Papua New Guinea defence.

Despite continuing to pepper the Papua New Guinea goal, New Zealand were unable to double their lead before fulltime as the match finished 1-0.

The Ford Football Ferns will now join hosts Brazil, along with Australia, China, Japan, North Korea, Philippines, and South Korea as nations that have so far qualified for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Despite the defeat, Papua New Guinea's journey to Brazil is not over yet. The side will represent OFC at an inter-confederation play-offs tournament which will take place later this year.

Fulltime

Ford Football Ferns 1 (Kate Kitching 55')

Papua New Guinea 0

Article added: Wednesday 15 April 2026