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Solomon Islands Men’s Football Team Set for Global Test in Expanded FIFA Series 2026

The Solomon Islands men’s national football team will take part in the expanded FIFA Series 2026™, joining 47 other national teams from around the world in one of FIFA’s biggest development-driven international competitions.

FIFA has confirmed that the 2026 edition of the Series will feature 48 national teams from all six confederations, competing in 12 groups during the March–April international match window. This means nearly a quarter of FIFA’s 211 Member Associations will be involved, giving smaller and developing football nations valuable exposure to international competition.

Bobby Leslie (9) in action for Solomon Islands. Photo: Supplied   

Solomon Islands Drawn in Indonesia Group

From the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), Solomon Islands will compete in a men’s group hosted by Indonesia, alongside Bulgaria and St Kitts and Nevis. The matches will provide the Solomon Islands squad with rare cross-confederation experience against European and Caribbean opposition, as well as a strong Asian host nation.

Another OFC member, New Zealand, will host a men’s group featuring Finland, Chile and Cabo Verde, while American Samoa has been drawn into a group hosted by Puerto Rico, alongside Guam and the US Virgin Islands.

On the women’s side, one OFC team is still to be confirmed and will compete in Thailand against Nepal, DR Congo and the host nation.

Don Keana celebrating a goal against Vanuatu. Photo: Supplied

Global Tournament with Development Focus

In total, 11 FIFA Member Associations will host matches, with Rwanda hosting two groups. The tournament includes nine men’s groups and three women’s groups, reinforcing FIFA’s push for inclusive, global football development.

All FIFA Series 2026 matches will be broadcast internationally, giving the Solomon Islands team global visibility and allowing fans back home to follow their progress on the world stage.

The competition brings together teams across the full range of FIFA rankings — from World Cup-qualified nations like Australia and New Zealand to emerging football countries — ensuring meaningful and competitive fixtures for teams at every level of development.

Raphael Lea’i. Photo: Supplied
Rovu Boyers. Photo: Supplied

Benefits Beyond the Pitch

Beyond match results, FIFA says the Series is designed to strengthen football systems off the field. Host and participating countries gain experience in tournament organisation, refereeing, logistics and international event delivery, helping to build long-term capacity within national football associations.

Five men’s teams in the Series — Australia, Cabo Verde, Curaçao, New Zealand and Uzbekistan — have already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, highlighting the competitive standard Solomon Islands will be exposed to.

Leon Kofana shields the ball from Fiji International, Roy Khrisna. Photo: Supplied

Match Dates to Be Confirmed

FIFA has confirmed that full match schedules will be released in due course. For Solomon Islands football fans, the FIFA Series 2026 represents a major opportunity to test the national side against diverse international opponents and to showcase Solomon Islands football on a global platform.

MEN’S GROUPS

Australia (AFC)

  • Australia (host)
  • Cameroon
  • China PR
  • Curaçao

 Azerbaijan (UEFA)

  • Azerbaijan (host)
  • Oman
  • Sierra Leone
  • St Lucia

 Indonesia (AFC)

  • Bulgaria
  • Indonesia (host)
  • Solomon Islands
  • St Kitts and Nevis

 Kazakhstan (UEFA)

  • Comoros
  • Kazakhstan (host)
  • Kuwait
  • Namibia

 New Zealand (OFC)

  • Cabo Verde
  • Chile
  • Finland
  • New Zealand (host)
 Puerto Rico (CONCACAF)
  • American Samoa
  • Guam
  • Puerto Rico (host)
  • US Virgin Islands
 Rwanda(CAF) – Group A
  • Estonia
  • Grenada
  • Kenya
  • Rwanda (host)
 Rwanda (CAF) – Group B
  • Aruba
  • Liechtenstein
  • Macau
  • Tanzania

Uzbekistan (AFC)

  • Gabon
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Uzbekistan (host)
  • Venezuela

WOMEN’S GROUPS

Brazil (CONMEBOL)

  • Brazil (host)
  • Canada
  • Korea Republic
  • Zambia

Côte d’Ivoire (CAF)

  • Côte d’Ivoire (host)
  • Mauritania
  • Pakistan
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
Thailand (AFC)
  • Congo DR
  • Nepal
  • OFC team
  • Thailand (host)
 *Match schedules for all FIFA Series 2026 events will be announced in due course.
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Author

  • Ronald Toito'ona

    Ronald Flier Toito’ona is a distinguished Solomon Islands Investigative journalist. He is part of In-depth Solomons, an investigative newsroom based in Honiara dedicated to transparency and accountability.

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