New Zealand Football is welcoming the future expansion of the World Cup to 48 nations in 2026, suggesting that it's likely to mean an easier qualification path for the All Whites.
The current qualifying process requires them to win the Oceania Confederation, and then play the fifth ranked South American nation for a berth at the 32 team tournament in Russia in 2018.
CEO Andy Martin told Trackside Radio he expects at least a direct entry as the expansion details are firmed up in the next few months.
"I'm hoping for a minimum of one, but if we get more that would be fantastic," Martin said.
"All I'm looking for is something that takes away the lottery of the playoffs we've got right now. It sounds positive, I think we'll know more over the coming months. It's great news".
Martin underlined how important the World Cup is for the game in New Zealand.
"We talk about World Cups where New Zealand has played in the past, how that has inspired generations to play football.
"We want more teams to try and emulate the Sumners and the Rufers and the Reids".
The All Whites face Fiji in a home and away series in March to decide who wins the Oceania Confederation, and advances to the daunting playoff against a South American side.
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