Simran Chand 
The Fiji National Men’s football team is preparing for a daunting challenge as they gear up to face New Zealand in the semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers next year.
The stakes are high, with the winner securing a place in the tournament’s final, keeping their World Cup dreams alive, while the runner-up will proceed to a two-stage intercontinental playoff.
However, for Fiji, history and recent performances suggest an uphill battle as Fiji has never defeated New Zealand in football.
Fiji FA CEO Mohammad Yusuf says the team’s target is to top the pool so the boys should have ironed out all their issues before going to PNG for the second leg of the group matches.
“We’re disappointed that we could not top the pool, especially the PNG game we should have won, but as you know game is a game, and there were some basic errors made. But anyway, we have qualified. And we know that New Zealand in Sky Stadium will be tough but we will give our best shot and prepare accordingly.”
Yusuf says the team must leave no room for excuses in their preparation for the semi-final.
He stressed that the coaching staff and management need to address the team’s shortcomings and ensure the players are physically and mentally ready for the high-pressure match.
With a place in the final and potentially the World Cup at stake, Fiji’s journey will depend on their ability to address their inconsistencies and rise to the occasion.
