IDC pools confirmed as Fiji’s biggest domestic tournament takes shape

The pools for the 2026 FMF Inter-District Championship have been confirmed, setting up a packed week of football as Fiji’s biggest domestic tournament returns to HFC Bank Stadium in Suva from October 6 to 11.

The Super Premier division draw has produced two competitive groups. Group A brings together Labasa, Rewa, Suva and Nasinu, while Group B features Ba, Lautoka, Navua and Nadi.

Group A immediately stands out for the presence of three of Fiji football’s biggest names. Labasa, Rewa and Suva all carry major IDC history and strong local support, while Nasinu will know that a positive opening result could quickly change the complexion of the group.

Group B is equally demanding. Ba, Lautoka and Nadi have all been regular contenders in Fiji’s leading competitions, while Navua enter with the chance to disrupt the more established sides. With only the top two teams progressing from each group into the semi-finals, there will be little room for a slow start.

The draw also confirmed the line-up for the Premier division. Kiribati’s national team, making a historic first appearance in the IDC, have been placed in Group A alongside Nadroga and Seaqaqa. Group B contains Tailevu Naitasiri, Tavua and Fiji’s Under-17 national team, another first-time participant.

The Senior division will see Lami, North Tailevu, Bua and Dreketi compete in Group A, while Rakiraki, Savusavu, Nadogo and Taveuni make up Group B.

The inclusion of Kiribati and Fiji Under-17 adds an extra dimension to this year’s event. The IDC has always been about district pride, but it will now also provide a stage for international development and the next generation of Fiji talent.

With knockout places on the line and traditional rivalries renewed, the 2026 IDC is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions in recent years.

Vanuatu United officially sign international defender Jeffrey Tasso

Vanuatu United have officially added Vanuatu international defender Jeffrey Tasso to their squad, strengthening their defensive options with a player who brings senior international experience and a varied football background.

Tasso, 28, is a centre-back who can also operate in defensive midfield or at left-back. His versatility is likely to be a major asset for Vanuatu United as the club continues to build a side capable of competing consistently at the highest level of Vanuatu football.

The defender has been part of the Vanuatu national-team set-up across several cycles. He has represented his country in senior friendlies, the OFC Nations Cup and FIFA World Cup qualifying football, giving him experience of matches played at a far higher tempo than most domestic fixtures.

His journey has also included time in Australia, following earlier spells in Vanuatu with Mauwia, Malampa Revivors and ABM Galaxy. That background should bring both maturity and adaptability to a Vanuatu United side that has been active in the transfer market.

Tasso’s arrival is especially significant because Vanuatu United are not simply recruiting another squad player. They are bringing in a defender accustomed to international preparation, tactical demands and the responsibility of playing against Oceania’s strongest attacking players.

For the player, the move offers the chance to return to a leading Vanuatu project and take on a bigger role at club level. For Vanuatu United, it is another statement of intent: the club wants experienced national-team players around its younger talent.

After the recent arrival of Joe Moses, the signing of Tasso adds further quality and balance to the squad. Vanuatu United now have another proven option to organise the back line, compete physically and provide leadership when the pressure rises.

Bill Kaltack’s composed finish gives Vanuatu vital MSG Cup win over Fiji

Vanuatu recovered from their opening-day disappointment to claim a crucial 1-0 victory over hosts Fiji in the second men’s matchday of the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.

Bill Kaltack scored the only goal of the game during the second half, finishing an excellent Vanuatu attacking move inside Fiji’s penalty area. The defending champions built the chance through a series of short, controlled passes, patiently moving the ball across the box before finding Kaltack in space to apply the finish.

The first half was competitive but goalless. Fiji looked to respond after letting a two-goal lead slip in their 3-3 opening draw with Solomon Islands, while Vanuatu arrived needing points after conceding twice late on in their 2-1 defeat to Papua New Guinea.

Neither side found a breakthrough before the interval. Fiji attempted to use their home advantage and push more bodies forward, but Vanuatu remained organised and limited the space available around their penalty area. The visitors were more measured in possession than they had been during the decisive final minutes against PNG.

The key moment came after the break. Vanuatu did not force the opportunity with an early cross or speculative effort; instead, they combined at close range inside the box. The quick passing sequence pulled Fiji’s defensive shape towards the ball and created the opening for Kaltack to finish.

It was a goal that reflected Vanuatu’s best quality in the match: composure. Having suffered a damaging late collapse against Papua New Guinea, Richard Iwai’s team showed a far more controlled response after taking the lead. They defended deeper when necessary, kept their shape and did not allow Fiji to create a clear route back into the game.

Fiji increased the pressure in search of an equaliser and produced more attempts, but Vanuatu protected their advantage with greater discipline. The clean sheet was as significant as the goal, particularly after the champions had conceded twice within two minutes in their first match.

Kaltack’s contribution was decisive. His finish gave Vanuatu their first three points of the tournament and restored confidence in a squad attempting to retain the title won in Papua New Guinea last year.

The result also continued Vanuatu’s encouraging recent record against Fiji. The sides met twice in Port Vila in June, with Vanuatu winning the first friendly 2-1 before the second ended 2-2. This victory was more important, however, because it came in a tournament match with both teams fighting to remain close to the top positions.

For Fiji, the defeat leaves them with one point from their first two home matches. Stéphane Auvray’s side have shown attacking promise, particularly in the draw against Solomon Islands, but they have paid heavily for moments in which they failed to manage the match.

Vanuatu, meanwhile, are back in the contest. The win was built on a well-worked goal, defensive concentration and a more mature response to pressure — exactly what the defending champions needed after their difficult opening night.

Raphael Lea’i inspires Solomon Islands to important victory over New Caledonia

Solomon Islands collected their first victory of the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup after defeating New Caledonia 2-0 at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.

Both goals arrived during the second half after New Caledonia had resisted the Bonitos throughout a goalless opening 45 minutes. Raphael Lea’i was among the scorers, delivering another important contribution for his country as Solomon Islands converted their territorial superiority into three valuable points.

Ben Cahn’s side entered the match needing to build on the character shown during their opening 3-3 draw with Fiji. On that occasion, Solomon Islands recovered from 3-1 down after the hosts were reduced to ten players, but their second performance required a different type of response against a New Caledonian team making its first appearance in the tournament.

New Caledonia travelled to Fiji without several of the established overseas-based players who have featured for the senior national team in recent years. Their locally based squad nevertheless proved competitive, defending with discipline and creating enough opportunities to prevent Solomon Islands from taking complete control.

The Bonitos enjoyed more of the possession and forced nine corners, but New Caledonia remained a threat and finished the match with a similar number of attempts. The difference came in the decisive areas, where Solomon Islands showed greater composure after the interval.

Lea’i’s goal broke New Caledonia’s resistance and rewarded the Bonitos for maintaining their attacking pressure. The Central Coast forward remains one of the most technically gifted players in Melanesian football, and his ability to create or finish decisive moments gives Solomon Islands a dimension few regional opponents can easily contain.

A second goal placed the result beyond New Caledonia and allowed Solomon Islands to close the match with far greater control than they had shown against Fiji. After conceding three times on the opening day, the clean sheet was another significant improvement for Cahn’s developing team.

The result takes Solomon Islands to four points from two matches and places them in a strong early position in the round-robin competition. It also increases the importance of their remaining fixtures as the Bonitos attempt to secure a place in the final.

For New Caledonia, the 2-0 defeat does not fully reflect a performance in which they remained competitive for long periods. However, their failure to take advantage of their opportunities ultimately separated the teams, while Solomon Islands demonstrated the greater efficiency required at international level.

The Bonitos have not yet produced a complete performance across the tournament, but four points from their opening two matches represent a promising return. Their recovery against Fiji showed resilience; the victory over New Caledonia showed they can also manage a match from a position of strength.

Vanuatu selected to host 2027 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup

Vanuatu has been selected to host the 2027 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, bringing one of Melanesian football’s most important international events back to the country.

The decision gives Vanuatu another opportunity to welcome Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia for a tournament that has become an important platform for regional rivalry, national-team development and the growth of men’s and women’s football.

Vanuatu knows the responsibility of hosting the competition. Port Vila staged the first modern edition of the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in 2022, when supporters filled Korman Stadium and the tournament helped revive a competition with a long Melanesian history.

The country has also become a major force on the field. Vanuatu are the reigning men’s champions after winning the 2025 title in Port Moresby, overcoming Papua New Guinea on penalties after a dramatic final. That success ended a long wait for a major regional crown and confirmed Vanuatu’s return among the strongest national teams in Melanesia.

Hosting in 2027 will give the country a chance to build on that momentum. It will provide a home stage for the next generation of Vanuatu players, while also allowing local supporters to watch the national team against their closest regional rivals.

The MSG Prime Minister’s Cup is more than a football tournament. It brings together the five Melanesian Spearhead Group members through sport, culture and national identity. Matches between Vanuatu, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia often carry a special competitive edge, with players familiar with one another through regional tournaments, club football and international matches.

For Vanuatu Football, the 2027 edition will be a significant organisational test as well as a footballing opportunity. The host nation will be expected to deliver strong facilities, an attractive match programme and a tournament capable of bringing supporters from across the region together.

Vanuatu has already shown that it can host the competition successfully. In 2027, it will have the chance to do it again—this time with the added expectations that come with being the current champions of Melanesia.

Bill Tuiloma earns All Whites recall after Nando Pijnaker injury

Bill Tuiloma is back with the New Zealand national team, with the experienced defender added to the All Whites squad for the upcoming international window following an injury to Nando Pijnaker.

The 31-year-old Wellington Phoenix centre-back had initially been left out of Darren Bazeley’s first squad since the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but Pijnaker’s withdrawal has opened the door for Tuiloma to return to the international setup.

Tuiloma brings considerable experience to a New Zealand squad that is beginning a new cycle after the World Cup. The defender has accumulated 47 senior international appearances and four goals since making his All Whites debut as an 18-year-old in 2013.

His recall is particularly notable after Tuiloma missed out on selection for New Zealand’s World Cup squad earlier this year. He had remained involved during the build-up to the tournament, including the March international window, but was ultimately not among the players taken to the competition.

Now back in the picture, Tuiloma will have four matches in Asia to potentially strengthen his position within Bazeley’s plans.

The All Whites begin their programme against Palestine in Chongqing on September 24 before facing China PR at the same city four days later. New Zealand then travel to Japan for the 2026 Kirin Cup, where they will meet Panama in Yokohama on October 1 before facing either hosts Japan or Ecuador in the final or third-place play-off on October 5.

Tuiloma will also find familiar faces from Wellington Phoenix in the squad. Midfielder Alex Rufer and goalkeeper Henry Gray, who is seeking his senior international debut, have both been selected for the tour.

The defender returned to New Zealand club football earlier this year when he joined Wellington Phoenix on a two-and-a-half-year deal after more than a decade playing overseas.

Tuiloma left New Zealand as a teenager to join French giants Marseille in 2013 and later became the first New Zealander to appear in Ligue 1. His career subsequently included Strasbourg before a lengthy spell in Major League Soccer with Portland Timbers and Charlotte FC.

His international career has followed a similarly long path. Tuiloma represented New Zealand at youth level, captained the country at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup and has since become one of the most experienced defenders available to the senior side.

The emergence of Tyler Bindon and Finn Surman has changed the competition at centre-back in recent years, while New Zealand have also begun introducing younger defensive options into the senior environment. Tuiloma’s return therefore gives him another opportunity to show that he can still have a role as the All Whites move into their post-World Cup cycle.

For now, his route back into the national team has come through Pijnaker’s unfortunate injury. What Tuiloma does with that opportunity could determine whether the recall becomes more than a temporary return.

PNG stay perfect as Vanuatu edge Fiji on decisive Women’s MSG Cup Matchday 2

Papua New Guinea underlined their status as favourites for the Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup title with another emphatic victory on Matchday 2, while Vanuatu claimed a crucial win over hosts Fiji to strengthen their own push for the final.

The defending champions defeated New Caledonia 4–1 at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, making it two wins from two matches. Vanuatu then beat the Fiji Kulas 1–0 in the evening fixture, leaving the hosts still searching for their first points of the tournament.

PNG began strongly against New Caledonia and took the lead in the 12th minute through Keren Kalapai. The goal gave the Bilums control of the match, although New Caledonia remained competitive and limited the deficit to one goal at half-time.

The second half showed the difference in experience and efficiency. PNG captain Ramona Padio doubled the advantage in the 57th minute before Nenny Elipas scored twice, in the 68th and 78th minutes, to turn the result into a convincing 4–0 lead.

New Caledonia did not give up and found a deserved late consolation through Carasesiane Eloane in the 90th minute. It was an important moment for a team making its first appearance in the women’s competition, but PNG’s quality across the match was clear.

After opening the tournament with a 4–0 victory over Fiji, PNG have now scored eight goals in two matches. Their attacking depth, leadership and ability to take control after half-time have made them the team to beat in Suva.

The night match brought a far tighter contest. Fiji and Vanuatu were level at 0–0 at the break, with the Kulas determined to respond after their difficult opening loss to PNG.

Vanuatu found the breakthrough in the 64th minute when Elina Aruvuha scored the only goal of the match. Fiji pushed for an equaliser in the final stages, but Vanuatu defended their lead with discipline to secure an important first victory.

The result gives Vanuatu four points from two matches after their opening draw with Solomon Islands. PNG lead the standings with six points, Vanuatu follow on four, while Solomon Islands have one point from one game. Fiji have now lost both matches, and New Caledonia have work to do after their first outing.

With the top two teams advancing to the final on October 3, Matchday 2 has already given the tournament a clear shape. PNG look formidable, Vanuatu have put themselves in a strong position, and the remaining teams now face little room for error.

All White Jesse Randall shines as Dundee United cruise past St Mirren

All Whites attacker Jesse Randall delivered one of his strongest performances since arriving in Scotland as Dundee United defeated St Mirren 3–0 away from home in the Scottish Premiership.

Randall opened the scoring after only six minutes in Paisley, finishing a swift Dundee United move with composure. Idjessi Metsoko won possession before Daniel Bennie released the New Zealander behind the St Mirren defence. Randall rounded goalkeeper Jacob Chapman and rolled the ball into an empty net to give the visitors an early lead.

It was a finish that showed exactly why Dundee United moved for the 24-year-old after his impressive spell with Auckland FC: sharp movement, pace in behind and calm decision-making in front of goal.

Dundee United quickly built on the advantage. Lyall Cameron added a second in the 12th minute before Kevin Ciubotaru made it 3–0 just before half-time, completing a dominant first-half display from the visitors.

Randall’s contribution did not end with the opening goal. He played 78 minutes and continued to trouble St Mirren with his runs and direct attacking play. He also created the chance for Ciubotaru’s goal, giving him both a goal and an assist in a convincing team performance.

Dundee United’s own match report highlighted Randall as a dangerous outlet throughout the afternoon, noting that he created further opportunities from wide areas during the second half. The result was a timely response from the side and a significant individual display from the All Whites forward.

For Randall, it is another encouraging step in his first season in the Scottish Premiership. Moving from Auckland FC to a demanding European league is a major transition, but he has already shown that he can make an impact against established Scottish opposition.

His pace and willingness to attack defenders give Dundee United a valuable option in the final third. More importantly for New Zealand, his performances offer encouraging evidence that another All Whites attacker is gaining experience and confidence in a competitive European environment.

Randall has scored goals in Scotland before, but this performance stood out because of its complete nature. He took his goal well, created another, worked hard without the ball and helped Dundee United control an important away match from the start.

MSG Cup matchday two brings New Caledonia debut and crucial Fiji-Vanuatu contest

The 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup continues on Monday at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, with New Caledonia entering the tournament against Solomon Islands before Fiji face defending champions Vanuatu.

New Caledonia will begin their campaign at 4pm against a Solomon Islands team carrying confidence after a dramatic 3-3 draw with Fiji. The Bonitos showed impressive resilience in their opening match, recovering from 3-1 down to claim a point through late goals from Jayroll Patty and Javin Wae.

For Solomon Islands, the match offers an opportunity to turn that momentum into a first win. Ben Cahn’s side have plenty of attacking options, including Raphael Lea’i, Atkin Kaua, Rovu Boyers, Rooney Riugaemai and the emerging Patty. Their key task will be to show greater control after conceding three goals against Fiji.

New Caledonia arrive in Fiji under very different circumstances from the team that came close to reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Financial limitations prevented the Cagous from bringing many overseas-based players to the MSG Cup, leaving coach Félix Tagawa with a largely new group and a major opportunity to assess domestic talent.

The evening fixture at 7pm between Fiji and Vanuatu is equally important. Fiji will want an immediate response after allowing Solomon Islands to recover from a two-goal deficit, while Vanuatu need a result after losing 2-1 to Papua New Guinea in their opening match.

Vanuatu led Papua New Guinea through Tony Kaltack before late goals from Nalau Moses and Ezekiel Vela turned the match around. Richard Iwai’s defending champions now face a difficult task against hosts Fiji, especially with the Bula Boys determined to make home advantage count.

The two teams know each other well. Fiji and Vanuatu have faced each other regularly through national-team matches and the OFC Pro League, where players from both countries have become familiar opponents. That history should make Monday’s contest one of the more intense games of the group stage.

Papua New Guinea currently lead the standings with three points, while Fiji and Solomon Islands each have one. Vanuatu remain without a point and New Caledonia have yet to play.

With only the top two teams progressing to the final on October 3, dropped points can become costly very quickly. Matchday two may not decide the tournament, but it could significantly shape the race for the final.

Meet Abdullah Khairati: the Canadian-Fijian midfielder taking his first steps with the Bula Boys

Abdullah Khairati may still be a new name to many followers of Fiji football, but the 18-year-old midfielder has already taken a significant step in his international career.

Born and developed in Canada, Khairati represents a new generation of overseas-based Fijian players beginning to emerge through the national-team system. After featuring for Fiji at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship, he was brought into the senior squad for the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, opening the door to his first experience with the Bula Boys.

For Khairati, however, the journey toward senior international football began long before his first Fiji call-up.

“My name is Abdullah Khairati. I’m a Canadian-Fijian footballer. I play as a central midfielder, but I can also play as a defensive midfielder or attacking midfielder,” he told Oceania Football Center.

Khairati has spent most of his football development with Supra Academy in Canada, where he says he has been playing since the age of 10.

“I play for Supra Academy in Canada, where I’ve been developing as a hardworking and versatile player since I was 10 years old,” he explained.

His football education has not been limited to Canada. From an early age, Khairati was exposed to European opposition through tournaments and friendly matches, experiences that eventually led to opportunities to train and trial abroad.

“We started going to Europe for tournaments and friendlies against top academies all over Europe when I was 13,” Khairati said. “Those tournaments and friendlies gave me opportunities to train in Europe and have trials with a professional Belgian first-division club, as well as other opportunities.”

That background has helped shape a midfielder who describes himself as capable of operating in several roles through the middle of the pitch.

His connection with Fiji has now given him another platform.

Khairati was part of the Junior Bula Boys squad at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship, where he gained his first major experience representing the country at international level. Although Fiji were unable to achieve their ultimate objective in the tournament, the competition proved important for him personally.

“It was a great experience, and I’m very fortunate and humbled to have been part of a great squad,” he said. “We didn’t achieve our goal, but a lot of personal goals were achieved, as well as the brotherhood we created. We win together and we lose together.”

His performances at U-19 level were followed by an immediate step into the senior environment.

Khairati was selected for Fiji’s squad at the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, giving him the opportunity to train and compete alongside established Bula Boys internationals only shortly after representing the country at youth level.

Rather than seeing the call-up simply as a reward, Khairati views the tournament as another stage in his development.

“I see it as a great opportunity to take in as much information and experience as possible from the players and the tournament, while also giving me a chance to prove myself and represent my academy back home,” he told OFCe.

For a youngster making the transition into senior football, that combination of learning and proving himself is central to what comes next. The player was praised by Fijian football legend Roy Krishna after his debut – a great sign for the teenager!

Khairati’s long-term ambitions are also clear.

The Canadian-Fijian midfielder wants to build a professional career in Europe, something he has already been preparing for through his academy experience and previous exposure to European football.

“My goal is to sign a professional contract in Europe in the next year or so,” he said.

That possibility may already be beginning to take shape.

Khairati revealed that a club in Denmark has shown interest in him, although no agreement has been reached.

“The plan is to play in Europe and sign a professional contract there. A club in Denmark has shown interest, so we’ll see where that goes.”

For now, his immediate focus remains with Fiji.

Khairati is still at the beginning of his senior international journey, but the pathway is becoming clearer: development in Canada, experience against European opposition, a place with Fiji’s U-19 side and now an opportunity with the Bula Boys.

At only 18, there is still considerable development ahead. But for Fiji, Khairati represents another overseas-based player with strong ambitions, international exposure and a clear desire to build his career while remaining connected to the national team.

The MSG Prime Minister’s Cup may therefore be less of an arrival than an introduction.

Abdullah Khairati is only beginning his senior journey with Fiji.