Eight countries battle it out at this year’s OFC Under 16 Women’s Championship in Samoa where world cup berths are also up for grabs.
The Tuanaimato Football Grounds in Samoa hosted this year’s OFC U16 Women’s Championship.
A total of eight teams took part, all competing for the Champions title but also two U17 World Cup 2026 qualification spots.
For hosts Samoa, their spot for this year’s World Cup in Morocco is already locked in, after qualifying with New Zealand at last year’s OFC U16 tournament in Fiji.
Now, back on home soil, it was a chance to represent and play in front of their families and loved ones.
Speaking to Tagata Pasifika, OFC Media and Communications officer Matthew Manukuo spoke about the tournament and how fitting that it was to be held in Samoa.
“It’s great for Samoan football, and I guess just for the region to come and support,” Manukuo says.
“The other day we had the Samoa team play their first match and the crowd behind me was all full. We had people from all different backgrounds here to support the girls.
“The big thing about this tournament is that they have two spots up for grabs to feature in the FIFA Under 17’s Women’s World Cup at the end of the year. So last year’s competition saw New Zealand and Samoa qualify from OFC and headed to the World cup later this year.
“And after this tournament we will have two qualifiers up for grabs.”
Samoa yet again met New Zealand in the final automatically securing (again with New Zealand) a qualification spot for the U17s World Cup in 2026 however, they fell short to their Kiwi rivals in the final.
The New Zealand team raced to a 3-nil first half lead before Samoa began its fightback in the second half. However, despite getting more attacking chances, New Zealand’s defence remained intact, securing a 3-0 win.
For other teams taking part, the tournament was another opportunity to develop their game and Fiji’s head of delegation Naziah Ali emphasised just how much the OFC is investing into women’s football.
“I think these kinds of exposures not only strengthen the sport, but also the visibility of football in general. The more women’s football’s being played the more people are interested and encouraged to play football,” Ali says.
“Womens football in particular, I think, has seen a really big rise in terms of rate and girls participating. Before we barely had six teams, now we see, like, in the senior teams at least, twelve teams that are coming from the pacific.
“So you can see the kind of investment football in general is putting into women’s football and it’s great to see that.”
Manukuo echoed the same thoughts especially on the work OFC is doing within the region.
“OFC for years have been doing a lot to develop football, this beautiful game, in our little corner of the world.”
Manukua says these tournaments are not just about player and coaching development, they’re also about providing a safe environment for players as well.
“You know, not only in the country where we see a turnout and support, but there is a lot of support from our member associations. It’s great development and great exposure for our members associations.”
With the tournament now completed, there are also more initiatives in place to continue the momentum in terms of football growth in the Pacific.
