Asia-Oceania qualifiers opened with big scores and tight contests in Wellington

He pānui pāpāho | News release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Asia-Oceania Floorball Confederation (AOFC) qualifiers for the Men’s World Floorball Championships 2026 got underway at Ākau Tangi Sports Centre in Wellington yesterday, with four matches delivering a mix of dominant performances, historic moments and a thrilling contest between regional rivals.

Thailand def. Hong Kong 42–2
10:00am NZT

Thailand set the tone for the tournament with a commanding opening victory over Hong Kong in a high-scoring first match of the day.

The Thais wasted no time, with their number six opening the scoring inside the first minute, sparking a relentless attacking display. Thailand dominated possession and shooting opportunities throughout the first period, racing to a 13–0 lead at the first break.

The Hong Kong team making their international debut at the AOFC Qualification tournament showed resilience in the second period, tightening their defensive structure and limiting Thailand to just two goals, while also scoring their first goal of the tournament to make it 15–1 after two periods.

Thailand lifted the intensity again in the third, pushing their lead to 27–2 midway through the frame and reaching the 40-goal mark on the power play with six minutes remaining. Despite their dominance, the Thais added just two more goals late, closing out a comprehensive 42–2 victory.

Hong Kong, China met Thailand in their debut game at AOFC Qualifications

Philippines def. Solomon Islands 22–1
1:00pm NZT

The Solomon Islands made their international debut in floorball against the Philippines, producing a spirited performance despite the final scoreline.

The Philippines jumped out to an early lead and controlled the opening period, heading into the first break with a 9–0 advantage.

While the second period saw more balanced play and chances at both ends, the Filipinos capitalised clinically, including a spectacular volley goal from number 24 at the buzzer to take a 16–0 lead into halftime.

A historic moment came in the third period when Solomon Islands’ number seven scored the nation’s first-ever international goal at the 15:30 mark, bringing the score to 19–1 and earning loud applause from the crowd.

The Philippines added three more late goals to secure a 22–1 win.

Solomon Islands met Philippines in their international debut and scored their first international goal at AOFC Qualification

Australia def. Korea 4–3
4:00pm NZT

The match of the day saw Australia edge Korea 4–3 in a fast-paced, physical contest defined by momentum swings, disciplined defence and outstanding goalkeeping.

Despite arriving in Wellington after a disrupted 30-hour journey due to severe weather delays, Korea showed no signs of fatigue, taking a 1–0 lead early and maintaining it through a tightly contested first period.

Korea continued to press in the second, earning a power play four minutes in, but Australia’s penalty kill held firm. The Australians equalised at 9:56 through a top-corner finish from number three, before Korea regained the lead late in the period following sustained pressure. Australia struck back with just ten seconds remaining, levelling the score at 2–2 heading into the final break.

Korea reclaimed the lead just 14 seconds into the third period with a brilliant solo effort, but Australia responded five minutes later with a close-range backhand finish. Less than a minute after that, Australia scored again to move ahead 4–3.

Korea pushed hard for an equaliser, but strong shot-blocking and composed goalkeeping allowed Australia to hold on for a hard-fought opening win.

Australia narrowly edges Korea in a fast-paced, physical contest defined by momentum swings, disciplined defence and outstanding goalkeeping

New Zealand def. China 12–3
7:30pm NZT

A packed crowd turned out for the final game of the day, as hosts New Zealand opened their campaign with a convincing win over China.

China silenced the home crowd early, absorbing initial pressure before scoring against the run of play from a long-range effort five minutes in.

New Zealand responded well, levelling midway through the first period and adding another goal 30 seconds later to lead 2–1 at the first break.

China threatened on the power play early in the second period, but New Zealand struck shorthanded within the opening minute.

Kiwi goalkeeper Samuel Elkin then produced a key save on a Chinese penalty shot to maintain the 3–1 lead.

New Zealand continued to build momentum, scoring on a breakaway at 10:40 before adding another shorthanded goal to go up 5–1.

China pulled one back, but the Kiwis closed the period strongly to take a 7–3 lead into halftime.

The hosts began the third period shorthanded once more, killing the penalty before converting on a power-play to extend the lead.

From there, New Zealand controlled proceedings, adding four unanswered goals to seal a 12–3 victory and delight the home supporters.

China returns to AOFC to face home crowd favourite New Zealand

Day Two fixtures

Action continues today with Japan taking on Hong Kong, China at 10:00am NZT, followed by Singapore versus China at 1:00pm. Thailand face Australia at 4:00pm, before New Zealand return to the court against Solomon Islands at 7:00pm.