The All Whites' path to the 2022 Football World Cup in Qatar might have gotten easier after FIFA changed the qualification process away from intercontinental two-legged play-off ties.
In the past, the qualifying route from the Oceania confederation has involved a side - in this case New Zealand - having to play home and away fixtures against another nation from one of Asia, North and Central America or South America.
But due to the challenges of travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, FIFA has altered the format for qualifying for Qatar 2022, which will see four sides play in one-off ties, at a neutral venue.
The winner of the Oceania confederation, fourth placed side from North and Central America, and fifth place teams from Asia and South America will be drawn to face each other.
The move will play into the All Whites' hands, removing the prospect of a difficult away trip, as seen by the two-legged ties against Mexico back in 2013 for Brazil's 2014 World Cup, and Peru in qualifying for Russia in 2017.
All that's left is for New Zealand to top Oceania qualifying, which will be held in March next year.
The draw for which confederation will face which will be made in a week's time, with the fixtures to be held on June 13 and 14 next year.
