The All Whites will face the Solomon Islands in a home-and-away series for the OFC final as part of their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. Photo / Photosport.
The All Whites will face the Solomon Islands in a home-and-away series for the OFC final as part of their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. Photo / Photosport.
The All Whites now know the details of the route they must take to earn a shot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia after confirmation of the dates and venues for the Stage 3 final of Oceania qualifying.
New Zealand earned a place in the final in impressive fashion,holding off the challenges of New Caledonia and Fiji to top Group A without conceding a goal.
The race was much tighter in Group B as the Solomon Islands edged out Tahiti and Papua New Guinea on the last match day to secure a home-and-away meeting with the All Whites.
Anthony Hudson's side will enjoy home advantage first up, taking on the Solomon Islands at Auckland's QBE Stadium on Friday 1 September, before heading to Honiara for the return leg at Lawson Tama Stadium on Tuesday 5 July.
The aggregate winner across the two legs will then progress to a two-legged intercontinental play-off against the fifth-placed team from CONMEBOL in November for a place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™.
The full match details for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Qualifiers Stage 3 Final are as follows:
New Zealand vs Solomon Islands QBE Stadium, Auckland Friday 1 September Kick-off: 7.35pm (local time)
Solomon Islands vs New Zealand Lawson Tama Stadium, Honiara Tuesday 5 September Kick-off: 2pm (local time)
Tickets for the home game will be available via Ticketek and will go on sale from July 17.
