New Zealand have become the first team to join hosts Uruguay at the 16-nation 2018 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after comfortably winning the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship in Samoa on Friday.

New Zealand were heavy favourites going into the tournament, and duly won all three group matches as well their semi-final with room to spare.

The final against New Caledonia proved a more taxing affair early on, with the Kiwis leading by just a single goal at the break.

However, the floodgates opened in the second half and the Kiwis eventually ran out 6-0 victors. Arabella Maynard was the star with a stunning four-goal haul.

Uruguay 2018 will see New Zealand maintain a perfect record of featuring in each edition of the tournament, having hosted the first event in 2008.