The first round of OFC matches for 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification (and 2016 OFC Nations Cup qualification) was played from 31 August to 4 September 2015 in Tonga.
Samoa, the winner, advanced to the 2016 OFC Nations Cup, held from 28 May – 12 June 2016, to join the other seven teams which received a bye into the group stage.
[4] In April 2014 the OFC announced its executive's decision on the teams to compete in the tournament.
The four lowest ranked teams (based on FIFA World Ranking and sporting reasons) among the 11 OFC entrants entered the first round:[3] Note: Bolded team qualified for the 2016 OFC Nations Cup.
The match schedule was revealed on 30 July 2015, following a draw held at OFC Headquarters in Auckland, New Zealand.