Four teams — including New Zealand — are left in the race to claim Oceania’s three qualifying spots at next year’s FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup in Qatar.
They meet on Wednesday in the semi-finals of the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in the Solomon Islands.
The first semi-final pits Group A winners Fiji against New Caledonia before defending champions New Zealand meet Papua New Guinea in the second semi-final.
Defending champions New Zealand have looked every bit the team to beat, topping Group B after an outstanding 8-0 demolition of the host nation, the Solomon Islands, in the final group match.
Main photo: New Zealand head coach Martin Bullock. Photo credit: OFC Media / DJ Mills / Phototek.
Their organised backline and clinical finishing have underlined why they are perennial contenders at youth level and coach Martin Bullock’s side are yet to concede a goal at the tournament.
“We need to play our football while being mature and smart enough to adapt if and when needed,” he said.
“We have had some good learning moments from our group games that we believe will help us to perform at our maximum in the semi-final.
“The players and staff know the big picture, and our goals, so have been able to remain focused and not be affected by any occasion.
“We’re fortunate to have four players in our squad who went through the same experiences last year who have been able to share their learnings with the other players.”
New Zealand … prepared for the semi-finals. Photo credit: OFC Media / DJ Mills / Phototek.
The Kiwis face Papua New Guinea, who won the qualifying tournament earlier this year, and have impressed with their speed and creativity.
“In making the semi-final, we are happy, but we have a big task against New Zealand, who are a strong team and know their moments with the ball and without the ball. Technically, they are very good, in their first touch and last touches,” coach Mathew Witu said.
“I respect them as an opponent but they need to know that we (PNG) are representing our country, we are not here for a vacation but for a purpose, and that is to compete.
“The message to the boys is play simple, concentrate on your passing ability, especially your last touches and not to allow space and time, when losing possession. If the boys can execute these plans nothing is impossible to progress to the final.”
Fiji and New Caledonia have both produced their share of attacking flair.
New Caledonia stunned many by holding New Zealand to a draw in the group stage, showing they can match the region’s best. Their midfield control and physicality will be key weapons.
New Caledonia coach Frances Watrone is wary of the Junior Bula Boys.
“I think that it is no coincidence Fiji are in the semi-finals,” he said.
“They are a formidable team, very athletic and effective both in attack and in defence.
“To earn a place in the final, there is no magic formula. We will need to give everything, enjoy ourselves, and have no regrets. Despite the stakes of this match, I believe my players are ready to go after their place in the World Cup in Qatar in 2026.” Watrone said.
Fiji coach Sunil Kumar says they respect New Caledonia.
“We all know they are a powerhouse in Oceania and we are aware of their strengths. Going into the semi-final, our main focus is can we boost our discipline in terms of organisation and team structure and then stick to the plan that we have set,” Kumar said.
While the two finalists will book their place at next year’s FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup in Qatar, the losing semi-finalists will get a second chance, with the winner of Saturday’s third-place playoff also qualifying for the global showpiece in the Middle East.
Acknowledgement
We thank OFC Media for providing information for this story.
Fixtures
Games to be played on Wednesday August 27, 2025
Semi-final 1
Fiji v New Caledonia
National Stadium, Honiara, 2.30pm (NZT)
Semi-final 2
Papua New Guinea v New Zealand
National Stadium, Honiara, 6pm (NZT)
Game to be played on Thursday August 28, 2025
Play-off for 7th place
Cook Islands v Samoa
Lawson Tama Stadium, Honiara, 12.30pm (NZT)
Play-off for 5th place
Tahiti v Solomon Islands
Lawson Tama Stadium, Honiara, 4pm (NZT)
Games to be played on Saturday August 30, 2025
Play-off for 3rd place
Loser semi-final 1 v loser semi-final 2
National Stadium, Honiara, 2.30pm (NZT)
Final
Winner semi-final 1 v winner semi-final 2
National Stadium, Honiara, 6pm (NZT)
This story was first published on August 27, 2025..