Fiji Football has experienced an extraordinary year in 2024, marked by several groundbreaking achievements in international competitions. Mohammed Yusuf, the chief executive of the Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA), noted this year as the busiest in the history of Fijian football, featuring 13 international tournaments and three local events.
A highlight of the year was the success of the Fiji under-19 women’s team, the Digicel Young Kulas, which made history by becoming the first Fijian women’s team to qualify for a FIFA World Cup. Their participation in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, despite the tough competition, was a monumental milestone for women’s football in Fiji.
Additionally, the Fiji Digicel U16 Boys qualified for the FIFA U17 World Cup scheduled in Qatar next year. This achievement signifies the strengthening of Fiji’s youth football programs, prompting Yusuf to indicate that substantial resources and support will be allocated to prepare the team for this prestigious event.
The Labasa women’s team also made a mark by reaching the semifinals of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Women’s Champions League held in the Solomon Islands, outperforming expectations with a significant victory over Auckland United. This success highlights the increasing competitiveness of women’s football in Fiji.
Moreover, the national men’s team, known as the Digicel Bula Boys, had a record-breaking year, playing 17 matches—the most in their history. Their performances have set the stage for a crucial semi-final match against New Zealand in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers slated for March next year.
Overall, 2024 has been a transformative year for Fiji Football on the global stage, establishing a robust foundation for even greater successes in 2025. The future looks promising for the sport in the nation as Fijian teams continue to break barriers and gain recognition internationally.
These accomplishments not only inspire upcoming players but also elevate Fiji’s profile in the world of football, fostering a sense of pride and enthusiasm in the sporting community.
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