New Caledonia, ranked 150th by FIFA and composed of part-time players, secured a stunning 2-0 friendly victory over Gibraltar, propelling them two wins away from the 2026 World Cup. The team, nicknamed 'Les Cagous' after the indigenous flightless bird, achieved this feat through a grueling 30-hour journey home after the match, highlighting their dedication. Their qualification for next March's FIFA interconfederation playoffs came via a semifinal win against Tahiti, demonstrating their rising status in Oceania football.

Despite their amateur status, with players often competing no higher than the fifth tier of French football, the squad's passion and recent European exposure have captured global attention.