The Australian Under-17 men’s national football team, the CommBank Joeys, will return to Honiara this January to take on the Solomon Islands Under-19 side in two international fixtures at the National Stadium.
Both matches will be played on Tuesday 20 January and Saturday 24 January as part of the PacificAus Sports Football Tour 2026, a three-match regional tour that also includes a game in Lautoka, Fiji, on Saturday 17 January.
The tour is being delivered in partnership with the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF), Football Australia and the Australian Government through its PacificAus Sports program. Tickets will be available for purchase at the National Stadium on match days.
The games are expected to provide valuable high-level competition for Solomon Islands’ young footballers as they prepare for the 2026 OFC Under-19 Championship, while also strengthening football development links between Australia and the Pacific.
The visit follows the Joeys’ successful 2024 tour of the region, which featured well-attended and competitive matches in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu and contributed to the growth of youth football across the Pacific.
SIFF President Donald Marahare welcomed the return of the Australian team, saying the partnership continues to create important opportunities for Solomon Islands players.
“The partnership between the Solomon Islands Football Federation, the Australian Government and Football Australia gives our young players the chance to test themselves against quality opposition and opens pathways for future generations of Solomon Islands footballers,” Marahare said.
Acting Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Andrew Schloeffel said sport remained a strong link between the two countries.
“Solomon Islanders and Australians share a love of sport. That’s why support for elite athletes is a key part of the Solomon Islands–Australia Partnership,” he said.
“PacificAus Sports is helping prepare the next generation of Solomon Islands footballers to shine on the world stage.”
Interim Football Australia Chief Executive Heather Garriock said the tour reflected the long-term football partnership between Australia and the Solomon Islands.
“These matches create invaluable experiences for young players while strengthening the football relationships that connect our countries. With support from the Australian Government and PacificAus Sports, we are building pathways and contributing to the long-term growth of the game across the region,” Garriock said.
The PacificAus Sports Football Tour 2026 marks the fifth exchange between Australian and Pacific national teams since 2024, highlighting the growing role of football in regional cooperation.
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