The Cook Islands has earned a direct entry into the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification tournament in Qatar next month after Tonga pulled out following the large volcanic eruption and tsunami which struck on 15 January.
The national team was scheduled to play Tonga in the qualifiers match for a place in the group stage of the competition.
The Cook Islands will now get a chance to play against Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tahiti and Vanuatu.
Source:
RNZ Pacific