The decision from the FIFA Executive Committee means OFC will now be represented by two nations at each of these men’s youth events.
OFC President David Chung welcomes the move, which he believes will lead to greater future success for any teams which qualify.
“Being exposed to this level of football at a young age is going to have a positive effect on these players as well as the coaches and administrators who accompany them,” he says.
“In addition, the exposure that participation in an event such as these can offer is priceless for ambitious young footballers.”
Chung says the hosting of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand was an opportunity for a second OFC side to present a case for the region.
“As hosts, New Zealand performed brilliantly to gain passage out of the group stage for the first time. On top of that, Fiji debuted at a FIFA event and earned their first win at this level too.
“Our Member Associations have shown that they are capable, and ready, to compete with the world’s best.”
The decision to award OFC an additional slot at the FIFA U-17 and U-20 World Cups was made by the FIFA Executive Committee during a two-day meeting in Zurich.