As Fiji’s national football team, known as the Digicel Bula Boys, gear up for the important FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania qualifiers, head coach Rob Sherman has voiced a mix of enthusiasm and concern.
Fiji is set to take on the Solomon Islands on October 10 at HFC Stadium, followed by away matches against Papua New Guinea (PNG) on November 14 and New Caledonia on November 17. However, the timing poses a challenge, as the FMF Inter-District Championship (IDC) is scheduled to take place from October 15 to 20, right between Fiji’s World Cup qualifier matches. Sherman is worried about the possible impact the IDC could have on the players, particularly regarding injuries.
“We have to respect that and if they do that hopefully they don’t get injured,” Sherman stated. He expressed concern about the demanding schedule, saying, “Playing three or four games in three or four days. I’m not sure where else in the world that happens, if I’m correct.” He further noted that in leagues such as the Premier League, teams typically play a maximum of two games per week.
Sherman is focused on maintaining the team’s health as they prepare for the crucial away matches in PNG and New Caledonia next month. “We just hope that they come through the IDC unscathed, and we still have a full squad when we regroup for our final preparations,” he added.
Looking ahead to future seasons, Sherman mentioned the potential for introducing new talent into the squad. “We consistently review performances, and if someone emerges in good form, they’ll be called into the squad,” he explained. He emphasized a preference for selecting players engaged in professional football, although he acknowledged that passport issues have complicated this process this year.
With the Bula Boys eager to make an impactful run in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, managing the balance between domestic tournaments and international commitments is crucial for accomplishing Fiji’s football ambitions on the path to the 2026 World Cup.