Tonga name 26-man squad for New Zealand tour as Tu’ulalupe prepare for international return

Tonga Football have announced a 26-man squad for their November tour of New Zealand, marking another important step towards the Tu’ulalupe’s return to international competition after more than two years without a senior men’s international match.

The selection brings together players representing domestic clubs across Tonga and six footballers based in New Zealand, providing an opportunity to reconnect locally developed talent with members of the Tongan football community overseas.

Tonga’s last senior international appearance came in September 2024, when they suffered a 2-1 defeat against Samoa during the opening stage of Oceania’s qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

That result followed a 3-1 victory over Cook Islands four days earlier, with Tonga eliminated before reaching the group stage of the regional qualifiers.

Since then, the national team have remained largely absent from international competition, making the November tour an important opportunity to assess players, rebuild combinations and prepare for future tournaments.

The squad announced by Tonga Football includes representatives of several domestic clubs, with Veitongo FC, Lavengatonga FC, Longoteme FC, Longolongo FC, Lotoha’apai FC, Navutoka FC, Marist FC and Folaha FC all contributing players.

Among those selected are Semisi ‘Otukolo and Elias Kendler of Veitongo, Manase Talakai and Kulisitofa Kite of Lavengatonga, Fineasi Palei and ‘Amanaki Lau’i of Longoteme, and William Tukua and Christopher Fa’onuku of Navutoka.

The presence of several players from different domestic football environments provides Tonga with an opportunity to assemble a squad capable of building greater cohesion ahead of the next international cycle.

Another important feature of the selection is the inclusion of six players listed as New Zealand-based.

Anthony Likiliki, William Senitili, Topuluka Tu’amoheloa, Tomasi Armitage, Pau Likiliki and David Tu’amoheloa have all been named in the touring group, reflecting the importance of Tonga’s overseas football connections.

The involvement of players living in New Zealand could provide additional options for the Tu’ulalupe, particularly as the national team seeks to strengthen its player pool and maintain relationships with footballers of Tongan heritage abroad.

The tour also comes as Oceania’s international calendar begins moving towards the next qualifying cycle.

Tonga will be among the countries preparing for the 2027 OFC Men’s Nations Cup qualifying competition, an important opportunity to return to regular competitive football after an extended period without international fixtures.

For a national team that has traditionally faced difficulties obtaining frequent international matches, the New Zealand tour could provide valuable experience for domestic players and help establish a foundation for future selections.

The country’s most recent competitive victory against Cook Islands in September 2024 demonstrated Tonga’s ability to produce positive results, although their subsequent defeat to Samoa prevented further progression in the World Cup qualifying campaign.

The November tour will therefore represent more than a return to the pitch. It will also provide an opportunity for the national team to assess its current strengths, identify areas requiring improvement and prepare for the challenges awaiting Tonga in regional competition.

Tonga Football have confirmed the touring squad, although the opponents, venues and match schedule have not yet been established in the information available.

With the Tu’ulalupe preparing to return to international action, the coming weeks will offer an important indication of how Tonga intend to rebuild their senior men’s national team ahead of a new cycle of Oceania football.

#	Player	Club
1	Semisi ‘Otukolo	Veitongo FC
2	Manase Talakai	Lavengatonga FC
3	Justin To’etu’u	Longolongo FC
4	Fineasi Palei	Longoteme FC
5	Kulisitofa Kite	Lavengatonga FC
6	Gershom Mailangi	Lotoha’apai FC
7	Viliami Tukia	Navutoka FC
8	Lisiate Feke	Longolongo FC
9	Elias Kendler	Veitongo FC
10	Tevita Falepapalangi	Lotoha’apai FC
11	Sione Taufa	Lotoha’apai FC
12	Hakeai Fonua	Lotoha’apai FC
13	‘Amanaki Lau’i	Longoteme FC
14	Sosaia ‘Ilangana	Longolongo FC
15	Christopher Fauonuku	Navutoka FC
16	Taani Fe’ao	Marist FC
17	Herick Funaki	Longolongo FC
18	Sione Naniseni	Navutoka FC
19	Sione ‘Ainu’u	Folaha FC
20	Visesio Tolu	Folaha FC
21	Anthony Likiliki	New Zealand-based
22	William Senituli	New Zealand-based
23	Topuluka Tu’amoheloa	New Zealand-based
24	Tomasi Armitage	New Zealand-based
25	Pau Likiliki	New Zealand-based
26	David Tu’amoheloa	New Zealand-based