A Huge Congratulations to former USL W Goalkeeper Alina Santos and the New Zealand Women's National Team who have qualified for the 2027 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The Ford Ferns are the eighth team to qualify for the tournament set to take place next summer. Santos proved herself in goal both for ALBION SC and for the University of Denver before earning her first cap for the national team this winter going toe to toe with the Matildas with a line led by Sam Kerr.

"It's always been a dream of mine to represent the Fern and to be a part of this journey leading up to qualifiers and now having qualified for the 2027 World Cup is a huge honour and a dream come true. I'm very grateful and excited for what is to come next."

A 1-0 win over Papua New Guinea was enough to push the Ford Ferns into their 7th consecutive World Cup.