Booked for signing autographs! Bizarre caution for red-hot Premier League striker as hat-trick from Nottingham Forest star Chris Wood leaves New Zealand on the brink of 2026 World Cup qualification

The 33-year-old frontman, with a career-best 18 Premier League goals to his name in 2024-25, is a talismanic presence for his country. Another three goals have been added to his record-breaking tally there, taking him to 44 through 81 appearances.

Wood netted a hat-trick for New Zealand – all with his head – as they crushed Fiji 7-0 in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. Victory over New Caledonia on Monday, who are ranked 152nd by FIFA, will secure the All Whites tickets to next summer’s global showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Wood’s spirits were high after claiming another match ball, but he saw his mood sourced somewhat by a remarkable yellow card that was flashed in his direction for signing autographs in the crowd after being replaced midway through the second half of New Zealand’s latest win.

The experienced forward told reporters afterwards, with there nothing that could take the smile off his face: "If that's the rules, that's the rules. Just doing something nice and trying to sign for the fans." Wood was able to laugh off the incident as he faces no suspension threat.

New Zealand are looking to secure qualification for their third World Cup finals, having previously graced that event in 1982 and 2010. They have never won a game at FIFA’s flagship tournament. Wood could help to change that, while he is also chasing down a Champions League spot with Forest at club level.