The Cook Islands men’s national team will return to international action on home soil later this month, with Tahiti travelling to Rarotonga for a two-match series at the CIFA Complex. The two Pacific nations will meet on Saturday, 26 September, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm, before facing each other again on Wednesday, 30 September, atContinue reading “International football returns to Rarotonga as Cook Islands prepare for two matches against Tahiti”
Author Archives: Rafael Saltori
All Whites add Palestine and China PR friendlies to busy post-World Cup calendar
New Zealand have added two more international matches to an increasingly busy programme following their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, with the All Whites set to face Palestine and China PR before travelling to Japan for the Kirin Cup. Darren Bazeley’s side will take on Palestine on 24 September before facing China PR on 28Continue reading “All Whites add Palestine and China PR friendlies to busy post-World Cup calendar”
Ba coach Ravinesh Kumar hits back after Fiji FA punishment, claims children were mistreated in tunnel incident
The controversy surrounding Ba FC following last weekend’s Battle of the Giants match against Lautoka has escalated, with head coach Ravinesh Kumar publicly challenging the account of the incident that led to disciplinary action from the Fiji Football Association. Fiji FA issued Kumar with a final warning and an undisclosed monetary fine following an incidentContinue reading “Ba coach Ravinesh Kumar hits back after Fiji FA punishment, claims children were mistreated in tunnel incident”
New Zealand hammer New Caledonia to reach OFC U-19 final and secure FIFA U-20 World Cup place
New Zealand left no room for another surprise at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship, sweeping aside New Caledonia 6-1 in the second semi-final in Apia to book their place in the final and confirm qualification for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup. The defending champions controlled the contest from the opening stages and gradually turnedContinue reading “New Zealand hammer New Caledonia to reach OFC U-19 final and secure FIFA U-20 World Cup place”
Tahiti stun Solomon Islands to reach OFC U-19 final and secure FIFA U-20 World Cup qualification
Tahiti completed a remarkable turnaround at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship by defeating previously unbeaten Solomon Islands 2-1 in the first semi-final at Football HQ in Apia, securing both a place in the continental final and qualification for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Second-half goals from Bradley Ruiz and Herehei Teaha decided a matchContinue reading “Tahiti stun Solomon Islands to reach OFC U-19 final and secure FIFA U-20 World Cup qualification”
From futsal in Solomon Islands to leading Nasinu: Billy Afi makes his mark at the Battle of the Giants
Billy Afi’s journey from futsal in Solomon Islands to becoming one of Nasinu’s leading figures in Fiji has taken another significant step at the 2026 Battle of the Giants, where the midfielder has captained the side, scored important goals and helped them reach the semifinals. The Solomon Islander has been one of the standout figuresContinue reading “From futsal in Solomon Islands to leading Nasinu: Billy Afi makes his mark at the Battle of the Giants”
BOG drug-testing total rises to three positive cases as Fiji FA scrutiny intensifies
Fiji Football Association has confirmed that three players returned positive drug tests during the group stage of the 2026 Battle of the Giants, adding another development to an issue that has increasingly surrounded one of the country’s biggest football tournaments. According to FBC News, 72 tests were conducted across the three days of group-stage competition.Continue reading “BOG drug-testing total rises to three positive cases as Fiji FA scrutiny intensifies”
Joe Bell becomes sixth All White to play in UEFA Champions League
Joe Bell has joined a small group in New Zealand football history after making his first appearance in the UEFA Champions League proper for Viking FK. The All Whites midfielder played the full 90 minutes as the Norwegian champions began their league-phase campaign with a 3-1 defeat away to VfB Stuttgart on Wednesday. Viking wereContinue reading “Joe Bell becomes sixth All White to play in UEFA Champions League”
Jimson Abana eyes new challenge after nine-goal Nadi season as overseas and Solomon Islands ambitions grow
Jimson Abana could be approaching the end of his spell with Nadi after a productive individual season in Fiji, with the Solomon Islands forward considering several possibilities for 2027 while continuing to pursue opportunities abroad. Speaking exclusively to Oceania Football Center, Abana confirmed that Nadi management would like him to remain at the club, butContinue reading “Jimson Abana eyes new challenge after nine-goal Nadi season as overseas and Solomon Islands ambitions grow”
Major setback for Luke Brooke-Smith as serious ankle injury threatens first Portsmouth season
Luke Brooke-Smith’s promising start to life in English football has been brought to an abrupt halt after the New Zealand international suffered a severe ankle injury in training with Portsmouth, with the extent of the damage raising fears that his first season in the Championship could already be over. The 18-year-old sustained a severe dislocationContinue reading “Major setback for Luke Brooke-Smith as serious ankle injury threatens first Portsmouth season”
Oceania Football Center 