Fiji’s national men’s football head coach, Rob Sherman, has announced the squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers taking place in Papua New Guinea. The lineup features 23 players, including Labasa’s Christopher Wasasala and experienced veteran Simione Tamanisau.
Unfortunately, the team will be without Samu Kautoga from Rewa due to an ankle injury, and Epeli Leiroti is also ruled out as a result of a recent injury. Additionally, Rewa’s goalkeeper Isikeli Sevanaia will not participate in the matches.
The Bula Boys are set to fly to Papua New Guinea tomorrow, where they will compete against the national teams of Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia. Notably, several players are returning to the squad, including Mohammad Raheem, Scott Wara, Mosese Nabose, and Antonio Tuivuna, who missed the first round of matches in Suva.
Some players will not be part of this round, including Joela Biuvanua, Josh Qereqeretabua from Charlton Athletic, Kavaia Rawaqa, Aprosa Yada, and Etonio Dogalau from Ba.
The finalized squad includes a mix of experienced players and new talent, as they aim to secure a place in the World Cup qualifiers. This upcoming competition presents a significant opportunity for the Fiji team to showcase their skills on the international stage.
In summary, while injuries have posed challenges, the resilience and depth of the squad suggest a competitive showing ahead. The team’s collective spirit and determination will be key as they strive for success in Papua New Guinea.
This tournament not only aims for a spot in the World Cup but also provides valuable experience for the players and strengthens football in the region. The future looks promising for Fiji football.
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