Fiji’s 2026 OFC Under-16 Women’s Championship campaign commences today against the Cook Islands at 4pm at the National Stadium in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
The tournament runs from September 6-19 and features eight Pacific nations competing for a spot in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2027 in Morocco.
Fiji joins Cook Islands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and New Caledonia in this highly anticipated competition.
For Fiji’s head coach Nicola Demaine, the championship is a crucial stepping stone for developing future senior national team stars.
“This tournament is a good opportunity for us to get some experience for the players in international football,” Demaine said.
“It’s about embedding some processes that they’ll need to use if they make it in the senior team one day.”
While the ultimate goal is to challenge for a World Cup spot, Demaine is focused on strong performance and growth.
“Our plan is just to come here and do what we can. We’ll give it our best shot to perform well for Fiji,” she added.
Fiji’s participation shows the country’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of women’s football talent, with hopes high for team cohesion and international success.
In the wider Pacific region, Samoa’s team, led by coach Juan Chang Urrea, is preparing for a tough campaign.
Following their runner-up finish last year, Samoa’s squad includes players from around the world, united by their Samoan heritage.
“We just want to give anyone an opportunity to represent themselves, represent the country,” Urrea said, highlighting the growing inclusivity and passion fueling Pacific women’s football.
As Fiji’s young players begin their journey today, they carry the hopes of the nation, aiming to make a mark on the continental stage and pave their pathway to the global spotlight.
