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.
For Canada, it was a heartbreaking end to a campaign in which 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
