National striker Roy Krishna, recognized as the top goal scorer in Oceania football, is set to play an essential role in Fiji’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Oceania Qualifiers next month. The 37-year-old player, who has been representing Fiji for 16 years and holds the record for the most caps, has been training with the team following their participation in the Tri-Nations series against the Solomon Islands and Hong Kong, where they achieved a victory over Solomon Islands and a 1-all draw with Hong Kong.
Fiji’s team, known as the Bula Boys, is scheduled to depart for Papua New Guinea on November 9 to compete in two matches. According to Fiji Football’s chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf, Krishna will arrive on October 6 to participate in the match against the Solomon Islands on October 10 before returning briefly to India and rejoining the team in PNG.
Yusuf highlighted the successful integration of experienced players, including Samuela Kautoga, Setareki Hughes, and Akuila Mateisuva, with younger talents. He also mentioned that coach Rob Sherman and the team management are preparing a strategy to face Solomon Islands. With confidence in the team’s capabilities, Yusuf expressed hope for a strong start against their opponents.
Upcoming fixtures for the World Cup Qualifiers include Fiji facing Solomon Islands on October 10 at HFC Bank Stadium, followed by matches against Papua New Guinea on November 14 and New Caledonia on November 17, both held at PNG Football Stadium.