Day two of Men's World Floorball Championships qualifiers delivers dominant displays and crowd-pleasing moments
He pānui pāpāho | News release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Day two of the Asia-Oceania Floorball Confederation (AOFC) qualifiers for the Men’s World Floorball Championships 2026 produced another full slate of action at Ākau Tangi Sports Centre in Wellington, with four matches showcasing dominant performances and strong support from local fans.
Japan def. Hong Kong 36–0
10:00am NZT
Japan opened their qualification campaign with a comprehensive win over a developing Hong Kong side.
The Japanese asserted control immediately, scoring just 26 seconds after the opening face-off and piling on 10 goals within the first nine minutes. They continued to press throughout the opening period, adding another five goals to take a commanding 15–0 lead at the first break.
The second period followed a similar pattern, with Japan reaching the 20-goal mark just four minutes in and extending their advantage to 27–0 by the end of the period.
The scoring pace eased in the final frame, and while Hong Kong pushed hard for a late consolation goal, Japan’s defence held firm to complete a 36–0 shutout.
Japan made a statement in opening AOFC match against Hong Kong, China who is making their debut at AOFC qualification.
Singapore def. China 16–0
1:00pm NZT
Singapore also made a strong start to their tournament, overcoming determined Chinese resistance to secure a convincing victory.
China’s defensive effort kept Singapore scoreless for nearly seven minutes, and limited the damage to two goals in the opening period. However, Singapore found their rhythm in the second, scoring six unanswered goals to take an 8–0 lead into the final period.
From there, Singapore controlled the contest, doubling their goal tally in the third despite sustained pressure from China, to close out a 16–0 win.
Singapore making a strong start to the AOFC qualification in their first match against China.
Thailand def. Australia 10–2
4:00pm NZT
One of the most anticipated matchups of the tournament lived up to expectations, as Thailand defeated Australia in a physical and high-tempo contest between two teams coming off opening-day wins.
Thailand opened the scoring at the 5:51 mark of the first period and capitalised on a lack of Australian discipline midway through the frame, converting a brief two-man advantage to go ahead 2–0. A third goal late in the period gave Thailand a 3–0 lead at the first break.
The Thais extended their advantage early in the second with a breakaway goal from number eight, followed shortly by a successful penalty shot. Another well-worked goal from a free hit pushed the lead to 6–0 before Australia responded late in the period with a determined individual effort to make it 6–1.
Thailand struck again on the power play before the break to restore a six-goal margin at 7–1.
Australia found some momentum early in the third, capitalising on a defensive error to pull back to 7–2, but Thailand responded immediately. Two further goals sealed the result, and despite late drama with an Australian penalty shot awarded in the final seconds, Thailand secured a 10–2 victory.
Thailand secured a 10-2 victory over Australia
New Zealand def. Solomon Islands 10–2
7:00pm NZT
The marquee match of the day saw hosts New Zealand take on crowd favourites Solomon Islands in front of another large and vocal Wellington crowd.
The Solomon Islands brought energy and determination from the outset, defending resolutely, blocking shots and applying regular pressure on the New Zealand attack.
After a cautious opening, New Zealand broke the deadlock with a power-play goal from their captain, scored with just one second remaining in the advantage six minutes into the game.
The Solomons responded with a power-play goal of their own at the 12-minute mark, a superb top-corner finish that sparked the loudest celebration of the tournament to date.
New Zealand regained the lead a minute later and took a narrow 2–1 advantage into the first break.
The Kiwis added two early goals in the second period to move ahead 4–1, before Solomon Islands struck again to halve the deficit. New Zealand answered quickly and finished the period strongly, scoring three more goals to take an 8–2 lead into the final frame.
The Solomon Islands continued to impress in the third, with relentless forechecking and several outstanding saves from their goalkeeper keeping the pressure on the hosts.
New Zealand added two late goals to close out a 10–2 win, but the Solomon Islands earned widespread respect for their performance in a memorable conclusion to day two of competition.
Solomon Islands took on New Zealand in their second game at AOFC
