Seven Teams Chase Two FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Spots As OFC U-19 Women's Championship Kicks Off

Defending champions New Zealand arrive with a target on their backs, but the chasing pack is closing in. At recent youth tournaments, sides like New Caledonia have proven they can push the Kiwis all the way. Head coach Callum Holmes knows his team faces serious tests.

“Yeah, 100%. I think the work that's going on across the region is fantastic. We've seen some really good developments coming in through FIFA and OFC, which is really supporting the game in the region. So, yeah, for us, it's important we keep improving, keep getting better, keep pushing our goals, making sure our habits are really good across all of our national teams, and that's something we'll be looking to do here.” Holmes said.

The Kiwis are grouped with New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and hosts Tahiti, with an opening match against the home side on Monday. (Tahiti time) (Tuesday NZT)

Tahiti coach Raimana Bu-Luc is relishing the chance to compete on home soil.

“It’s a real pleasure to welcome everyone to Tahiti. We know the challenge of facing New Zealand, but our first mission is to reach the semi-finals.” He said at the pre-tournament Media Conference.

Over in Group A, history-makers Fiji who played in their first-ever World Cup at U-20 level last year in Colombia, are hungry for a return under coach Angeline Chua.

“Our goal is simple, we want to qualify again,” said Chua, ahead of Fiji’s opener against the Cook Islands.

With Samoa’s withdrawal leaving Group A at three teams, the Cook Islands and Tonga will kick off the tournament on Sunday (Tahiti time), before Fiji joins the action midweek.

Vanuatu narrowly missed the semi-finals at the recent OFC Women’s Nations Cup but won plenty of admirers for their style. U-19 coach Joel Rarua says his team is ready to take the next step.

“Women’s football is growing fast at home. Our U-19 players are competing regularly in the women’s league, and that pathway is giving us stronger, more competitive players.” Rarua reflected.

Meanwhile, New Caledonia arrive with belief after their U-16 side held New Zealand to a draw in Group play in Samoa. Coach Leon Waitronyie credits academy structures for producing talent now pushing through to the national stage.

Full match schedule:

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