CANADA’S FANCA Nations Cup campaign ended in dramatic fashion, going down 6–5 to New Zealand in a breathtaking semifinal playoff that produced 11 goals and decided who would face Fiji in the 2026 final.
Canada looked firmly in control at halftime, taking a 3–2 lead and appearing to be on course for a place in the final.
The Canadian celebrations turned premature as New Zealand came out strongly after the break, taking its opportunities when they mattered most.
The match turned into a goal-for-goal thriller, with both sides refusing to give an inch.
When it felt like both the teams were headed for a shootout with scores all even at 5-5 in the second extra-time, New Zealand produced a rare brilliance, scoring the game winner minutes away from full-time after Canada failed to tide up play following a free-kick.
New Zealand claimed a 6–5 victory and book its place in the final against Fiji.
Canada coach Nik Soosma called the game crazy as the team was three minutes away from the final.
“It was a game of halves, first it was for us, second for New Zealand. We were up 3-1 early in the game, it was going and you want to keep going,” he said.
Soosma said the game could have gone either way, adding that New Zealand is a good team.
“We got all the compliments and respect from everybody, we thank the fans for all the support.”
New Zealand coach Imraan Ali was a relieved man, admitting that Canada took the game to them.
“Very relieved, we expected a battle but nothing like this, Canada brought it to us,” said Ali. “We believed, the team believed.”
For Canada, it was a heartbreaking end to a campaign but the team had shown it could compete with some of the tournament’s strongest sides.
Canadian supporters walk the crowd at the Kings Charles Park in Nadi, Fiji. Faizal Khan video
