The All Whites superfan flying across the globe for World Cup qualifiers

The chance at qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for just a third time is tantalisingly close for New Zealand. (Source: Breakfast)

All Whites superfan Matt Fejos has travelled thousands of kilometres to roar on his team over the decades.

Whether it’s at the Cake Tin in Wellington, or in Qatar, the founder of The Flying Kiwis supporters group is always there, front and centre, and often captured by broadcast cameras.

So it’s no surprise he is making the long-haul flight from the UK for the All Whites’ most significant fixtures in years.

The chance at qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for just a third time is tantalisingly close for New Zealand.

The All Whites previously represented New Zealand at the tournament in 1982 and 2010.

The Flying Kiwis founder Matt Fejos.

"It would mean everything," Fejos told Breakfast on the prospect of qualification.

"For me, the 2009 qualifiers were a long time ago. [My friends] went to South Africa, and it was just too soon in my life and my bank balance to save and go all in. There was always that niggly sense of missing out [on a World Cup]."

Fejos has experienced multiple heartbreaking moments following the team, including the All Whites' last campaign to get to the Qatar 2022 tournament.

Chris Wood's disallowed goal against Costa Rica in the one-off play-off is equally memorable and painful.

"I know VAR and the ref removed it, but they can't remove our memories," he said.

"The intensity of me and my friends that really got behind it is everything I imagined and wanted New Zealanders to feel, like we see in the Premier League."

The All Whites take on Fiji in Wellington on March 21 and a win would take them to the final against either New Caledonia or Tahiti at Eden Park three days later.

The Oceania FIFA World Cup qualifiers will be broadcast live on TVNZ+ and TVNZ 2 from March 21.

Oceania World Cup qualifiers

Friday, March 21: Semi Final 1, Sky Stadium, Wellington – New Caledonia v Tahiti, 3pm

Friday March 21: Semi Final 2, Sky Stadium, Wellington – New Zealand v Fiji, 7pm

Monday March 24: Final, Eden park, Auckland – 7pm

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