Tahiti will attempt to extend their dominance of Oceania beach soccer when the 2026 OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup begins on Thursday, 22 October, at Aorai Tini Hau in Pirae, with five Pacific nations competing for the regional title and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. The Tiki Toa enter theContinue reading “Tahiti chase fourth consecutive title as five nations prepare for OFC Beach Soccer Nations Cup”
Author Archives: Rafael Saltori
Samoa’s historic 17-0 defeat to United States exposes gulf in women’s football — but World Cup experience remains vital
Samoa suffered the heaviest defeat in FIFA World Cup history on Monday, 19 October, losing 17-0 to the United States in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. The extraordinary scoreline highlighted the enormous gap that still separates some of Oceania’s developing football nations from the world’s established powers,Continue reading “Samoa’s historic 17-0 defeat to United States exposes gulf in women’s football — but World Cup experience remains vital”
Bula FC retain Fiji internationals Thomas Dunn and Ryan Naresh for 2027 OFC Pro League
Bula FC have confirmed the return of Fiji internationals Thomas Dunn and Ryan Naresh for the 2027 OFC Professional League season, securing two members of their inaugural squad who enjoyed considerable success on the domestic and international stage during 2026. Both players helped Bula FC finish third in the regular season and qualify for theContinue reading “Bula FC retain Fiji internationals Thomas Dunn and Ryan Naresh for 2027 OFC Pro League”
New Zealand fall 4-0 to Morocco in difficult start to FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
New Zealand suffered a 4-0 defeat to hosts Morocco in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Saturday, 17 October, conceding four second-half goals after holding the North African side scoreless during the opening 45 minutes. Playing at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, the Young Football Ferns facedContinue reading “New Zealand fall 4-0 to Morocco in difficult start to FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup”
Kaïlé Auvray extends Bula FC stay for 2027 OFC Professional League season
Bula FC have confirmed that Trinidad and Tobago international Kaïlé Auvray will remain with the Fijian club for the 2027 OFC Professional League season, securing the services of one of their most promising attacking players for a second consecutive campaign. The 22-year-old winger was an important member of the Bula Warriors during the inaugural editionContinue reading “Kaïlé Auvray extends Bula FC stay for 2027 OFC Professional League season”
Ravinesh Kumar dismissed as Ba head coach despite historic four-title season in Fiji
Ba Football Association has announced the immediate dismissal of head coach Ravinesh Kumar, bringing his tenure to an abrupt end despite guiding the Men in Black to four major titles during the 2026 Fijian football season. The decision was confirmed on Sunday, 18 October, through an official statement signed by association president Praneel Dayal. AccordingContinue reading “Ravinesh Kumar dismissed as Ba head coach despite historic four-title season in Fiji”
Riley Bidois scores with first touch as Wellington Phoenix beat Melbourne Victory in A-League opener
Wellington Phoenix opened their 2026/27 A-League Men campaign with a 2-1 victory over Melbourne Victory on Sunday, 18 October, as substitute Riley Bidois scored the winning goal with his first touch to give the New Zealand club an encouraging start to its 20th season in the competition. Playing at Hnry Stadium in Wellington, the PhoenixContinue reading “Riley Bidois scores with first touch as Wellington Phoenix beat Melbourne Victory in A-League opener”
Gulf Komara retain Papua New Guinea Premier Soccer League title after impressive second-half comeback
PRK Gulf Komara FC have been crowned champions of Papua New Guinea’s 2026 Premier Soccer League, securing their second consecutive national title after finishing the 22-round competition with 50 points, two ahead of PNG Hekari FC. The Gulf Province representatives also secured qualification for the 2027 OFC Champions League, returning to the continental stage afterContinue reading “Gulf Komara retain Papua New Guinea Premier Soccer League title after impressive second-half comeback”
Moffat Konofilia backs young GHUPO squad for S-League title challenge despite rebuilding difficulties
GHUPO FC head coach Moffat Konofilia believes his young squad can compete for the SIFF S-League title despite losing several experienced players, while expressing concerns about refereeing standards and the challenges faced by his emerging talents in the Solomon Islands’ top division. In an exclusive interview with Oceania Football Center, Konofilia discussed his first seasonContinue reading “Moffat Konofilia backs young GHUPO squad for S-League title challenge despite rebuilding difficulties”
From primary school to the Golden Ball: Nabetari Itiata reflects on Kiribati’s historic IDC triumph
At just 21 years old, Nabetari Itiata Ioera has become one of the leading figures in Kiribati’s historic triumph at the 2026 FMF Inter-District Championship in Fiji. The forward scored four goals during the competition, including twice in the 6-1 victory over Seaqaqa in the Premier Division final, and received the Golden Ball as theContinue reading “From primary school to the Golden Ball: Nabetari Itiata reflects on Kiribati’s historic IDC triumph”
