Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Football
Luke Davies
A country with a tiny population of 270,000 could qualify for the 2026 World Cup if they win their next match - but it won't be straightforward.
The usual big hitters such as Germany, England, Brazil, Spain and Argentina will likely compete at the World Cup which is set to take place across the US, Canada and Mexico next summer.
But they could be joined by a little-known nation from the southwestern Pacific Ocean.
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New Caledonia is located around 1,210km east of Australia and has a population of around 270,000 – less than UK cities Liverpool and Manchester and around 40,000 more than England’s most-populated town, Reading.
The island, which is a French territory, has never qualified for a World Cup and was only admitted to FIFA in 2004 but they could secure a place at the finals if they win their next fixture.
New Caledonia, currently ranked 152 by FIFA, took a step closer to the tournament after a 3-0 victory against Tahiti in Wellington in the OFC qualifying stages semi-final earlier today.
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The previously lowest-ranked side to qualify for a World Cup finals was North Korea in 2010 – 105 at the time.
New Caledonia will take on New Zealand on Monday, with a win meaning they will join the three host nations and Japan – the first nation to qualify – at the competition.
However, this could prove to be a tough challenge with the All Whites winning their last match 7-0 when Chris Wood’s hat trick saw them ease past Fiji on Friday.
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Premier League fans may or may not be familiar with Frederic Piquionne who played for the likes of Portsmouth and West Ham United and was born in Noumea, New Caledonia – although he represented France and Martinique at international level.
The country has been unstable in recent times with violent clashes causing the French army to be deployed in May 2024.
"The situation in our county is not easy," midfielder Jekob Jeno said.
"And this victory, we want to say 'New Caledonia it is possible to give hope to our people, to our family, to our children.' We are very proud."