The Fiji Bula Boys are making strides in their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as head coach Rob Sherman has recently unveiled a 35-member squad, which includes 12 players based overseas. This development comes as the team gears up for the OFC World Cup Qualifiers, highlighting their intention to build a competitive side.

From February 9th to 23rd, the squad will engage in a critical training camp at the Fiji FA Academy in Ba, where the focus will predominantly be on local talent. Following this camp, the final squad of 23 players will be announced and will head to Auckland on March 1st for additional training and friendly matches against local Premiership clubs. This preparatory phase is crucial as it offers the players an opportunity to build chemistry and fitness ahead of their competitive fixtures.

On March 12th, the Bula Boys will face Wellington Phoenix in a high-stakes match, which promises to be an important test of their capabilities. Sherman has emphasized the significance of a diverse selection process, aiming to assemble the strongest squad possible, with a particular focus on ensuring players’ fitness levels are optimized.

The culmination of their preparation will see the Bula Boys competing in a semi-final match against the All Whites on March 21st at Sky Stadium in Wellington. This match will serve as a crucial benchmark for the team as they aim to secure their place in the World Cup.

In a related context, the Bula Boys are concurrently preparing for the FIFA World Cup Oceania Qualifiers, set to begin on October 10th, where they will face the likes of the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and New Caledonia. With a goal to secure one of the limited spots available to the OFC for qualification, the preparations undertaken by Sherman and his squad are indicative of their ambition.

As the team continues its developmental efforts, hopes remain high for a strong showing in both the qualifying rounds and ultimately, in their pursuit of World Cup qualification in 2026. The combination of local training camps and international matches reflects a proactive approach in enhancing their competitiveness on the world stage.