There is only one French team, and it intends to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, in order to finish in style the mandate of Didier Deschamps. But next year, in America, there could be another selection from a French territory.
This is New Caledonia. The original land of Christian Karembeu and Antoine Kombouaré is still in the race in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. It has the right to participate, because it has its own sports federation, affiliated with FIFA. As the Team recalled, this is not the case with Martinique, Guadeloupe or even Guyana, which are attached to the FFF.
New Caledonia at the World Cup?
New Caledonia has its administrative independence on the sporting level, just like Tahiti. The two French islands clashed this Friday, with a 3-0 victories of the Neo-Caledonians, notably with a double of Georges Gope-Fenepej, a player passed by Ligue 1 with Troyes and Amiens, who now plays in National 2 with St-Pryvé St-Hilaire.
With this new format at 48 teams, there is a guaranteed ticket for the Oceanian Confederation. And New Caledonia can win him in the event of a feat on Monday against New Zealand, the best team on the continent since Australia joined the Asia area.
Even in the event of a defeat against the All Whites, the adventure would not be finished for New Caledonia, which would compete in the intercontinental dams. How will these dams take place? Six teams will be affected, from all confederations (except Europe). The two most placed nations in the FIFA ranking will play the “finals” of the dams, while the other four selections will have one more turn to compete. In total, there are two tickets for the World Cup to be won via these dams.
