Playing against the likes of Brazil and Argentina could be part of New Zealand's build-up for the under-20 soccer World Cup.

The New Zealanders on Wednesday booked their berth for the finals in Canada in June and July by topping the seven-nation Oceania qualifying tournament in Auckland.

New Zealand Soccer chief executive Graham Seatter said the squad's preparations for Canada were still being decided but could involve a trip to South America.

Seatter said four countries from that continent - Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay - had also qualified. "There's some talk about a tournament being held in South America and we may be able to join it," he said.

"Nothing has been confirmed but it is an option. Another option is to go to Australia." Seatter said having "friendlies" against some of the other 23 nations who would be in Canada was the most favoured course if possible.

Which countries would be available might not be confirmed until after the draw was made, because teams often did not want to have a meeting beforehand with those drawn in their group.

New Zealand clinched their spot in the under-20 World Cup for the first time thanks to a 1-0 win over New Caledonia. Victory was a long time in coming, with Fulham midfielder Chris James grabbing the winner in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time.

James could have got on the scoresheet much earlier, but had penalties saved by goalkeeper Manu Wejieme in the third and 35th minute. New Caledonia played most of the match with 10 men, after they had Jeremie Dokunengo sent off for handball, an offence that led to the second penalty.

New Zealand coach Stu Jacobs said he was pleased James eventually got on the scoresheet, because the player had an outstanding tournament. Jacobs admitted his team had been below their best and said the pressure of having to win to make sure closest rivals Fiji could not overtake them might have got to his players.

"The enormity of the occasion may have taken its toll," Jacobs said. "We did not play that well, but I said to the boys beforehand, `Let's put the performance to one side, because we've got a goal and that's to win', and they did that."

As it turned out, Fiji's threat fizzled out when they lost 0-2 to Tahiti and New Zealand finished four points clear at the top of the table. Jacobs said he had not thought ahead to Canada, having kept his focus until now on qualifying.

He agreed New Zealand would have to lift their game to be competitive in the finals. "But we'll enjoy this occasion now and switch on to Canada in the coming weeks."

Sydney striker Jeremy Brockie, whose cross created the opening for James' goal, said qualification was a dream come true. "The lads stuck together and look at us now," he said.

"We're on a plane to the other side of the world."

AAP