Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek
WORDS | Peter Zoleveke SIFF Media
The Solomon Islands national team is gearing up for a critical week in their journey to the FIFA World Cup 26™, as they face New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea in their second and third Group A matches in the Oceania Qualifiers this week.
Following a narrow 1-0 loss to Fiji in their opening match in Suva, head coach Joshua Smith is making strategic adjustments to get his squad back on track in Port Moresby.
The Solomon Islanders, who finished just shy of qualification in the last cycle, losing to New Zealand in the final, are once again vying to reach the semi-finals. With renewed focus under Smith’s leadership, the team has set its sights on overcoming their early setback and reigniting their qualification hopes.
Smith has reshuffled his squad, calling veteran defender Michael Boso back into the starting XI and bringing in forward Junior Fordney to add more firepower up front. The team’s setup will also see two debutants making their senior appearances—Australian-based midfielder Rovu Boyers and Vincent Luiga of Real Kakamora, both ready to bring fresh energy and versatility to the squad.
The team has been acclimating in Port Moresby for a week in preparation for these decisive fixtures.
Smith has praised the high morale among his players, emphasising the collective drive to bounce back and keep their World Cup dreams alive.
“The spirit in the camp is strong, and the players are fully committed to giving their best in these must-win games,” Smith reflected.
FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers
Group A
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (kick-off times local)
Thursday, November 14
Solomon Islands v New Caledonia, 1:00pm
Papua New Guinea v Fiji, 4:00pm
Sunday, November 17
Fiji v New Caledonia, 1:00pm
Papua New Guinea v Solomon Islands, 4:00pm