Solomon Islands National Men’s Soccer Team seek atonement from loss to Fiji in two crucial matches in PNG
SOLOMON Islands National Men’s Soccer Team are gearing up for a critical week in their journey to the FIFA World Cup 2026 as they face New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea in their second and third Group A matches in the Oceania Qualifiers this week.
The two matches against New Caledonia on Thursday 14 November and hosts PNG on Sunday 17 November will determine the two teams in Group A who will advance to the next phase of qualification by early next year.
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 have set their sight 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 have 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 said.
