Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek
It doesn’t get tougher than a match against Oceania powerhouse New Zealand to kick start your FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers campaign.
That’s the challenge facing Tahiti coach Samuel Garcia, as they take on Darren Bazeley’s New Zealand in their opening match in Port Vila next week.
The Group B opener features two sides who contested the semi-finals of the OFC Men’s Nations Cup in June at the same venue, a match convincingly won 5-0 by the Kiwis.
Garcia is adamant that this being a World Cup Qualifier is a completely different situation for his team and has expressed his excitement about facing New Zealand, a team he acknowledges as the favourites to secure direct entry to the FIFA World Cup 26™.
“It’s not a simple game because New Zealand is the big team,” he said. “But I believe this match will give us a clear idea of where we stand. It’s an opportunity to measure our level against the best.”
Drawing from the OFC Men’s Nations Cup semi-final defeat, Garcia felt his side has learned plenty and will make the necessary adjustments to be competitive in Port Vila.
“In that match, we struggled with possession,” he noted. “This time, we need to focus on defence and play with intensity and concentration. We’ve studied New Zealand’s recent games, and I’m confident we can put up a strong fight.”
He’s also pleased to be facing the All Whites in Port Vila where the conditions are trickier than playing New Zealand on a smoother playing pitch in their own backyard.
“We have a chance,” Garcia remarked.
Looking beyond the New Zealand match, the affable coach highlighted the significance of the subsequent games against Samoa in Hamilton (November 15) and Vanuatu in Auckland (November 18).
“Those matches are crucial,” Garcia said. “The competition is tight, and all the teams, Vanuatu, Samoa, and us are closely matched. If we can secure points early on, it will set a strong foundation for the qualifiers.”
Garcia’s squad will closely resemble the team he took to the Nations Cup but with one or two additions
“We’re preparing a strong team. Injuries are always a concern, but I believe we have what it takes to compete.”
With Oceania now having one direct qualifying spot for the FIFA World Cup™ for the first time and an additional half spot, with a place at a FIFA Intercontinental Playoff for the team that finishes runner-up, Garcia describes the motivation that drives his team.
“This is a dream for us – not just for me but for my players and the people of Tahiti,” he said. “We approach each game with the mindset of taking one step at a time. Our goal is clear: to qualify for the World Cup and make our nation proud.”
“We dream of playing in Canada, the USA, and Mexico in 2026. This is more than just football; it’s about representing Tahiti on the world stage.”
Tahiti fixtures
FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers
(kick-off times local)
Friday, October 11
v New Zealand, 1:00pm, VFF Freshwater Stadium, Port Vila
Friday, November 15
v Samoa, 4:00pm, FMG Stadium, Waikato
Monday, November 18
v Vanuatu, 4:00pm, Go Media Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland