New Zealand Upsets Ivory Coast with Stunning 1-0 Win

TORONTO, Canada – The New Zealand All Whites celebrated a remarkable victory on Sunday, defeating the Ivory Coast 1-0. This match marked their first since qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and it stands as one of their most impressive wins in years.

The decisive goal came in the 41st minute from Elijah Just, following a precise pass from Marko Stamenic. Just’s skillful strike inside the far post not only won the match but also brought New Zealand its third victory ever against African teams.

Throughout the match, Ivory Coast showed strong offensive capability, dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities. However, New Zealand’s defense, led by standout Finn Surman, held firm against the reigning African champions.

New Zealand’s victory was made even more impressive considering they played without their veteran striker, Chris Wood, who only participated in the last 10 minutes of the game due to managing a hip injury. Coach Darren Bazeley expressed pride in his team’s performance, noting it as one of their best against a non-Oceania opponent during his tenure.

Despite being outplayed for significant stretches, the All Whites remained composed, with goalkeeper Max Crocombe making vital saves, including a strong deflection against Emmanuel Latte in the 15th minute.

New Zealand’s triumph adds momentum as they prepare for their next match against Ukraine on Wednesday at 9 a.m. This win offers a boost ahead of future challenges, as the All Whites aim to build on this success in their World Cup journey.

Elijah Just’s goal, his eighth for the national team in the last year, showcased the potential of New Zealand’s squad, which included four lineup changes from their previous match against New Caledonia.

As the final whistle blew, the All Whites celebrated a historic win, sending a message ahead of their upcoming fixtures and proving their determination in the competitive landscape of international football.