Fiji U-16 National Team Departs for Solomon Islands with World Cup Dream in Sight

The Fiji U-16 National Football Team departed the country this morning for the Solomon Islands with their sights firmly set on securing back-to-back qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026.

Head Coach Sunil Kumar expressed confidence in his side’s preparation, revealing that the team has undergone more than eight weeks of intensive training ahead of the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship.

“We had more than eight weeks of preparation for the championship to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup next year. It’s a challenge for the boys to do the same as the boys did last year,” Kumar said.

The squad’s build-up included a friendly match against Samoa, which Kumar said provided valuable match fitness and confidence. While pleased with the performance, he noted that there are still a few areas requiring improvement before the qualifiers kick off.

“The boys are eager to play in the qualifiers, and the 8-1 result gives us the right momentum going into the OFC U-16 Qualifiers. We also would like to thank the Samoan U-16 team for this friendly match and wish them all the best in their qualifiers,” Kumar added.

Kumar took a moment to thank the parents of the players for their sacrifices and assured them that the team was in safe hands during the campaign.

“I have faith in the players, and I strongly believe they will do their best and make everyone proud,” he said.

Fiji has been drawn in Group B alongside Tahiti, the Cook Islands, and Papua New Guinea.

“We will take each match as it comes and focus on one game at a time.”

Kumar said, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded and prepared for every challenge.

The Future Bula Boys will begin their campaign against Tahiti before facing Cook Islands and then Papua New Guinea in their final group match.

Group Stage Fixtures

Fiji vs Tahiti – August 17, 4 pm (Fiji Time)

Fiji vs Cook Islands – August 20, 4 pm (Fiji Time)

Fiji vs Papua New Guinea – August 23, 4 pm (Fiji Time)

The OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in the Solomon Islands will determine which two teams advance to the FIFA U-17 World Cup next year. The Future Bula Boys now carry the hopes of the nation as they aim to match and even surpass the success of last year’s team.