Solomon Islands and Tahiti will meet in the final of the 2026 OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup after both nations completed the group stage with convincing victories in Pirae on Wednesday, October 28. The Bilikiki defeated Vanuatu 7-2 to secure the remaining place in the final, while the defending champions overcame New Caledonia 12-3 in a match that saw Heirauarii Salem become the competition’s all-time leading goalscorer.
With Tahiti having already secured qualification for the final following their victory over Solomon Islands in the previous round, the Bilikiki entered their last group fixture needing a positive result to eliminate any remaining hopes of a New Caledonian challenge.
However, James Naka’s side were caught by surprise when Vanuatu opened the scoring after just four minutes. Batis Alick converted from close range to give his team an unexpected advantage, raising hopes of an upset against the four-time Oceania champions.
Solomon Islands responded through Max Fa’ari, who equalised in the eighth minute, before Roy Mafane completed the turnaround with an impressive strike into the top corner one minute later. Having recovered from their early setback, the Bilikiki entered the first interval with a 2-1 lead.
Their attacking superiority became more evident in the second period. Albert Bobby extended the advantage with a direct free-kick in the 15th minute, while Apolos Ahua added another five minutes later. Captain Charlie Otainao then scored Solomon Islands’ fifth goal with another free-kick, earning the Player of the Match award.
Vanuatu continued to compete and Alick completed his brace immediately after Otainao’s goal, reducing the deficit to 5-2. Nevertheless, Remsy Melo struck twice in quick succession during the final period, scoring in the 31st and 32nd minutes to confirm a 7-2 victory.
The result secured Solomon Islands’ second victory of the tournament and a place in the final, having previously defeated New Caledonia 10-5 before losing 7-4 to Tahiti.
In the day’s second encounter, Tahiti continued their impressive scoring form with a comprehensive 12-3 victory over New Caledonia. The Tiki Toa entered the match already assured of a place in the final but produced another dominant performance in front of their home supporters.
Captain Heimanu Taiarui opened the scoring after two minutes, followed by Salem’s first goal of the afternoon. Daniel Tagawa briefly reduced the deficit for New Caledonia, but Ro’onui Tinirauarii restored Tahiti’s two-goal advantage with a volley following an assist from Raimana Li Fung Kuee.
Salem added his second goal early in the second period, drawing level with Solomon Islands legend and current national team coach James Naka as the all-time leading goalscorer in OFC beach soccer history.
The Tahitian striker subsequently completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot, surpassing Naka’s record to become the competition’s outright leading goalscorer. He would eventually finish the afternoon with four goals, adding another late in the match to complete Tahiti’s emphatic victory.
Tinirauarii also enjoyed an impressive performance, scoring a hat-trick, while Tearii Labaste, Rainui Tze-Yu and two own goals contributed to Tahiti’s total. New Caledonia found the net through Tagawa, Renaldo Teiva Nonmeu and Ménié Gope-Iwate, but could not prevent a heavy defeat.
Tahiti finished the group stage with three victories from three matches, having scored 37 goals against Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and New Caledonia. Their record included an extraordinary 18-1 opening victory over Vanuatu, followed by a 7-4 success against Solomon Islands.
The final on Saturday, October 31, will bring together Oceania’s two most successful beach soccer nations. Tahiti and Solomon Islands have each won the regional championship four times, meaning the winner will become the first nation to claim five titles.
The fixture will also be a rematch of the 2024 final in Honiara, when Tahiti defeated Solomon Islands 3-2 to secure qualification for the 2025 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Seychelles.
For Solomon Islands, the final offers an opportunity to reclaim the regional crown and end Tahiti’s recent dominance. The Tiki Toa, meanwhile, will be aiming to extend their successful run and maintain their position at the top of Oceania beach soccer.
Before the championship decider, New Caledonia and Vanuatu will meet in the third-place play-off at Aorai Tini Hau. The final will follow later that afternoon, with the winners securing Oceania’s qualification place at the 2027 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
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