The Latest Breaking News from New Caledonia

French investigating magistrates have ordered the release of an independence leader from New Caledonia who was detained for a year over deadly riots in 2024, but he will not be freed immediately after prosecutors appealed the decision.

France's far-right leader Marine Le Pen is in New Caledonia, offering a 'new method' for resolving long-standing tensions with the French mainland, as President Emmanuel Macron is preparing a broader push to revive dialogue between loyalists and separatists in the Pacific overseas territory.

French Overseas Minister Manuel Valls has launched a third round of talks between pro and anti-independence groups in New Caledonia. Amid deepening divisions over last year's unrest, he warned that further chaos could be in store if all parties don't shoulder their responsibilities.

People in New Caledonia can now protest again – nearly a year after violent riots – following a French court decision to suspend bans that had remained in place in parts of the archipelago.

France's Minister for Overseas Territories, Manuel Valls, is on a four-day New Caledonia to support efforts to shape the archipelago’s future, as fresh negotiations aim to bridge political divides and foster stability.

New Zealand have booked their spot in next year's World Cup, benefiting from a major change to qualification that has knock-on effects throughout Oceania.

Michael Boxall has scored his first goal for New Zealand when his country needed it the most, helping sending the All Whites to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Oceania's representative at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be decided in a single game playoff at New Zealand's Eden Park.

New Caledonia - world ranking No.152 - have defeated Tahiti and will face regional heavyweights New Zealand for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.