The All Whites won't get to defend the Oceania Nations Cup at home with the June tournament cancelled due to the global pandemic.
Solomon Islands captain Henry Fa'arodo challenges for the ball against New Zealand at the OFC Nations Cup. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The qualifying stage event was due to take place in March in the Cook Islands but the Oceania Football Federation postponed that and has now called off the tournament altogether.
OFC General Secretary Franck Castillo said the cancellation of the Nations Cup was a disappointing reality of the COVID-19 situation but will not be moved to a new window as the priority is to make sure the World Cup qualifying process can begin later this year.
Castillo said talks are continuing about other schedule tournaments such as the OFC Champions League and age-group events.
OFC General Secretary Franck Castillo said the cancellation of the Nations Cup was a disappointing reality of the COVID-19 situation.
New Zealand won the last Nations Cup tournament in Papua New Guinea in 2016.