Solomon Islands defeat Papua New Guinea on penalties to secure FIFA U-17 World Cup return

Solomon Islands have secured Oceania’s final qualification place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027 after defeating Papua New Guinea in a dramatic penalty shootout at the PNG Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

Henry Fa’arodo’s side recovered from conceding in the second half to draw 1-1 with the tournament hosts before winning the shootout 4-1, confirming Solomon Islands as Oceania’s third representative at the World Cup alongside New Zealand and Fiji.

Papua New Guinea created the better opportunities for much of the third-place play-off as they attempted to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the first time.

The hosts came close on several occasions and struck the crossbar from a long-range free-kick before Solomon Islands cleared another effort off the goal line.

Papua New Guinea’s pressure was eventually rewarded in the 66th minute. Captain Matthew Sopo reacted first to a loose ball outside the penalty area and produced an excellent first-time strike into the top corner.

Solomon Islands struggled to establish control of the match but remained within one goal of forcing their way back into the contest.

Their persistence was rewarded in the 84th minute when Papua New Guinea goalkeeper Luther Rodney was unable to hold a delivery into the penalty area. Andriano Kabolo reacted quickly and forced the ball across the line to level the score.

With the match finishing 1-1 after 90 minutes, Oceania’s final World Cup qualification place had to be decided from the penalty spot.

Solomon Islands converted all four of their attempts, while Papua New Guinea missed twice. George Lea’i scored the decisive penalty to complete the 4-1 shootout victory and begin the celebrations among the Solomon Islands players and coaching staff.

The result sends Solomon Islands to the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the second time in the country’s history. Their previous appearance came in 2019 after qualifying through the 2018 OFC U-16 Championship held in Honiara.

The qualification represents an important achievement for a new generation of Solomon Islands players, who recovered from their semi-final disappointment to secure the final ticket available to Oceania.

New Zealand, Fiji and Solomon Islands will represent the region at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027 in Qatar.

Solomon Islands 1–1 Papua New Guinea
Solomon Islands won 4–1 on penalties