New Zealand are ready to defend their OFC U-16 Women’s Championship title as eight Pacific nations prepare to compete in two weeks of tournament play in Samoa.
The winners and runners-up at the championship will qualify to represent Oceania at the 2027 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
While New Zealand’s sights are set on another title, hosts Samoa will look to build on their impressive runners-up finish in the previous edition, buoyed by passionate home support.
Main photo: The captains for the tournament. From left, Maryjane Laina (American Samoa), Amelia Hitchock (New Zealand), Sophiana Moala (Tonga), Teonila Levuiciva (Fiji), Kautai Kamuhei (Tahiti), Matha Bako (New Caledonia), Teisika Rotoava (Solomon Islands) and Breanna Kitiona (Samoa). Photo credit: OFC Media / Phototek.
Alana Gunn. Photo credit: OFC Media / Phototek.
At a pre-tournament media conference, all eight teams shared a clear message: this championship is about more than results. It’s a platform for growth, pride, and progress.
Under head coach Alana Gunn, New Zealand brings a balanced squad blending tournament experience and fresh talent.
The reigning champions are focused on continuing their dominant run, while developing players for the global stage.
“Every match here teaches adaptability to different styles, to life on tour, to growing as athletes and people,” Gunn said.
“The U-17 World Cup isn’t just an achievement, it’s a global stage where dreams become reality. That’s what we’re preparing these players for.”
Led by Juan Chang Urrea, Samoa’s youthful squad enters the tournament riding a wave of national excitement following the senior team’s strong showing at the OFC Women’s Nations Cup.
Urrea said his side were proud to represent Samoa on home soil.
“We want every team to have an amazing experience in our beautiful country. But on the field, we don’t think about tomorrow, we focus on winning today.”
“This is about being examples, on and off the pitch. We’ll turn gratitude into growth and make Samoa proud with every action.” Chang Urrea said.
Inspired by their senior team’s historic OFC Women’s Nations Cup victory, the Solomon Islands aim to channel that momentum into their youth campaign under Japanese coach Kato Yamashita.
“Our goal is to become champions, but more importantly, to connect these players with the world through football,” said Yamashita.
“The Nations Cup win showed what’s possible. Now it’s their turn to inspire the next generation.”
With a proud footballing tradition and increasing investment in women’s football, New Caledonia arrives eager to compete under head coach Kengi Vendegu.
“I want the girls to have fun on the pitch,” said Vendegu. “Yes, World Cup qualification is at stake, but it’s also about enjoying the game and showing what we’ve worked hard on.”
Coach Marika Rondu leads a diverse squad representing the full spectrum of Fiji’s development system, from veterans making a third tournament appearance to newcomers experiencing international football for the first time.
“For some of these girls, it’s their first flight, their first time away from home,” Rondu explained. “Each game is a learning opportunity, not just in football, but in life as an athlete. We’re growing day by day.”
The tournament coaches meet the media. Photo credit: OFC Media / Phototek.
Tonga coach Shinsuke Okiso brings a philosophical approach, placing emphasis on mindset, self-belief, and long-term growth.
“I don’t want them to just play, I want them to leave here with greater ambition,” he said. “Playing for the national team means playing for yourself first, then for your team. I want them to feel something real and lasting from this experience.”
Making their tournament debut, having won the qualifying tournament earlier this year, American Samoa marks a major milestone in the nation’s footballing journey. Coach Diane Justus sees this as a pivotal moment.
“This is history for our country,” said Justus.“It’s our first time reaching this level. We’re here to make the nation proud and show we can compete, and grow beyond where we’ve been before.
Under the guidance of Delphine Soret, Tahiti arrives with a focus on patience and technical development. Their approach is about building solid foundations for the future.
Soret and her staff are looking for progress, composure, and growth across the tournament, laying the groundwork for long-term success.
All games at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship will be streamed live and free by FIFA+.
New Zealand squad
Cate Atkinson, Northern Tigers (Abbotsleigh), Australia
Micaela Besley, Fencibles United (Botany Secondary College), New Zealand
Eden Chaytor, Fencibles United (Botany Downs College), New Zealand
Miché Cloete, Melville United (Hamilton Girls’ High School), New Zealand
Lania Fili, Nepean (Jamison High School), Australia
Aleesha Gray, FSA State Squads (St Peter’s Girls’ School), Australia
Alexandra Hedington, Auckland United (Mount Albert Grammar School), New Zealand
Amelia Hitchcock, Eastern Suburbs (Baradene College), New Zealand
Mia Humphrey, Melville United (Waikato Diocesan School), New Zealand
Nienke Lemmens, AZ Alkmaar (Willem Blaeu), Netherlands
Emma Meadows, Melville United (Hamilton Girls’ High School), New Zealand
Elizabeth Rennell, Auckland United (Mount Albert Grammar School), New Zealand
Bonnie Rice, Auckland United (Westlake Girls’ High School), New Zealand
Isla Robson, Auckland United (Mount Albert Grammar School), New Zealand
Madison Sharkey, Wellington Phoenix (Sacred Heart College), New Zealand
Charlotte Summers, Dunedin City Royals (Queen’s High School), New Zealand
Bree Toatelegese, Ellerslie (Saint Kentigern College), New Zealand
Ariana Vosper, Auckland United (Takapuna Grammar School), New Zealand
Group A
Samoa
New Caledonia
Fiji
Tahiti
Group B
New Zealand
Tonga
Solomon Islands
American Samoa
Fixtures
Group A
Games to be played on Friday August 1, 2025 (NZT)
Fiji v Tahiti
Samoa Football HQ, Apia, Samoa, 10am (NZT)
Samoa v New Caledonia
Samoa Football HQ, Apia, Samoa, 2pm (NZT)
Games to be played on Monday August 4, 2025 (NZT)
Tahiti v New Caledonia
Samoa Football HQ, Apia, Samoa, 10am (NZT)
Samoa v Fiji
Samoa Football HQ, Apia, Samoa, 2pm (NZT)
Games to be played on Thursday August 7, 2025 (NZT)
New Caledonia v Fiji
Samoa Football HQ, Apia, Samoa, 10am (NZT)
Tahiti v Samoa
Samoa Football HQ, Apia, Samoa, 2pm (NZT)
Group B
Games to be played on Saturday August 2, 2025 (NZT)
Solomon Islands v American Samoa
Samoa Football HQ, Apia, Samoa, 10am (NZT)
New Zealand v Tonga
Samoa Football HQ, Apia, Samoa, 2pm (NZT)
Games to be played on Tuesday August 5, 2025 (NZT)
American Samoa v Tonga
Samoa Football HQ, Apia, Samoa, 10am (NZT)
New Zealand v Solomon Islands
Samoa Football HQ, Apia, Samoa, 2pm (NZT)
Games to be played on Friday August 8, 2025 (NZT)
Tonga v Solomon Islands
Samoa Football HQ, Apia, Samoa, 10am (NZT)
American Samoa v New Zealand
Samoa Football HQ, Apia, Samoa, 2pm (NZT)
Knockout stages
Semi-finals will be played on Monday August 11 (NZT).
Play-offs for 5th and 7th will be played on Tuesday August 12 (NZT).
The play-off for 3rd and the final will be played on Thursday August 14 (NZT).
This story was first published on August 1, 2025.