Vanuatu football is mourning the passing of former Tafea FC striker and youth international Nicol Tari, who has died at the age of 31. His death has prompted emotional tributes from former teammates, friends and members of the country’s football community, including former Vanuatu national team coach Moise Poida, who worked closely with Tari duringContinue reading “Vanuatu football mourns Nicol Tari as former Tafea FC striker and youth international dies aged 31”
Category Archives: Vanuatu
Matt Acton sees Vanuatu differently now — and coaching has become part of his future
Matt Acton originally arrived at Vanuatu United with the profile of a goalkeeper who could bring professional experience to the Pacific’s newest club competition. Less than a year later, his role has become considerably broader. Acton is still a goalkeeper. He is also Vanuatu United’s goalkeeper coach, has worked as goalkeeper coach within the VanuatuContinue reading “Matt Acton sees Vanuatu differently now — and coaching has become part of his future”
Vanuatu’s Walter Leoru hits hat-trick as Navua make perfect start to 2026 Fiji Inter-District Championship
Vanuatu international Walter Leoru produced one of the standout individual performances of the opening day of the 2026 FMF Inter-District Championship, scoring all three goals as Navua defeated Nadi 3-0 at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Leoru broke open a match that had remained goalless for most of the first half, striking twice in theContinue reading “Vanuatu’s Walter Leoru hits hat-trick as Navua make perfect start to 2026 Fiji Inter-District Championship”
Jack Vira embraces new midfield role at Nadi as Vanuatu call-up remains his next ambition
Ni-Vanuatu footballer Jack Vira Tokaki has spent much of his career being recognised as an attacking player, but his first season with Nadi has required something different. Ahead of the 2026 FMF Inter-District Championship, the 25-year-old believes that adaptation has made him a more complete footballer — and could eventually help him earn an opportunityContinue reading “Jack Vira embraces new midfield role at Nadi as Vanuatu call-up remains his next ambition”
Vanuatu United part ways with Lars Hopp and appoint Albert Riera for 2027 OFC Pro League
Vanuatu United have officially moved on from Lars Hopp, confirming the German coach will not continue with the club for the second season of the OFC Pro League and appointing former Auckland City boss Albert Riera as part of a new technical direction for 2027. The decision brings a formal end to Hopp’s time withContinue reading “Vanuatu United part ways with Lars Hopp and appoint Albert Riera for 2027 OFC Pro League”
Thomas Dunn fires Fiji past Vanuatu as Bula Boys end 26-year wait for Melanesian crown
Fiji are champions of the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup after defeating defending champions Vanuatu 1-0 in the men’s final at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, completing a remarkable recovery from a difficult start to the tournament and lifting a Melanesian senior men’s title for the first time since 2000. Thomas Dunn scored the goalContinue reading “Thomas Dunn fires Fiji past Vanuatu as Bula Boys end 26-year wait for Melanesian crown”
Vanuatu stun defending champions PNG on penalties to win first Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup title
Vanuatu have produced the biggest result in their recent women’s football history, defeating defending champions Papua New Guinea on penalties to lift the 2026 Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. The final finished 1–1 after regulation time before Vanuatu held their nerve in the decisive shootout to take the trophy.Continue reading “Vanuatu stun defending champions PNG on penalties to win first Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup title”
Vanuatu defend their Melanesian crown against hosts Fiji in MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final
Vanuatu arrived in Fiji carrying the title of Melanesian champions. On Saturday, they will have to defeat the host nation in its own stadium to take it home again. The defending champions face Fiji in the men’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, bringing together two teams that finished levelContinue reading “Vanuatu defend their Melanesian crown against hosts Fiji in MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final”
PNG stand one win away from another Melanesian crown as Vanuatu prepare for second chance in MSG women’s tournament final
Papua New Guinea have been the dominant force of the 2026 Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, but one final challenge remains as the defending champions prepare to face Vanuatu for the title at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Saturday. The final brings together the top two teams from the round-robin stage, although their routesContinue reading “PNG stand one win away from another Melanesian crown as Vanuatu prepare for second chance in MSG women’s tournament final”
Fiji join Vanuatu in MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final after decisive final day
Fiji will face defending champions Vanuatu in the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final after a tense final round in Suva saw the Bula Boys come from behind to defeat New Caledonia 2-1, while Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea shared a 1-1 draw. The two results completed a compelling round-robin stage at HFC BankContinue reading “Fiji join Vanuatu in MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final after decisive final day”
