Fiji’s under-20 women’s football team is making history as they prepare for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia in 2024. As debutants at the tournament, the team is aware of the significant challenges ahead, especially after being drawn into a tough group with powerhouse teams Brazil, Canada, and France.
Despite the hurdles, Fiji has already made history by becoming the first women’s team from the nation to reach a global final. Coach Angeline Chua expressed excitement about the opportunity to compete on such a significant stage but emphasized the need for realistic expectations given the strength of their opponents. “We know how difficult it will be,” Chua remarked, acknowledging that all the teams in their group are ranked among the top ten in senior women’s football.
Fiji’s path to Colombia began with their performance at the 2023 OFC U19 Women’s Championship, where they finished second to New Zealand. Initially feeling disappointment due to only one Oceania spot being available, Fiji was ultimately granted entry into the tournament following an expansion of the competition.
The squad comprises 18 players based in Fiji, with three members playing overseas, including Talei Moodie, who is currently excelling in college soccer in the United States. Coach Chua is hopeful that these players will bring added quality to the team.
In preparation, Fiji recently played a narrow warm-up match against Costa Rica, which has raised hopes about their competitiveness in Colombia. However, Chua emphasizes the importance of tempered expectations. The team has set two specific goals: scoring their first-ever tournament goal and maintaining a strong defensive performance for as long as possible.
For Chua, this opportunity is also monumental personally. After starting her football journey at 16 and playing for Singapore before coaching in the Seychelles, she never imagined she would lead a team to a World Cup.
As they prepare to face the world’s best, Chua and her team are focused on presenting a strong showing, aware of the steep learning curve ahead. “From our region, even New Zealand just won their first-ever match at the senior World Cup last year,” she noted, highlighting the challenges faced by teams from smaller footballing nations. The priority for Fiji will be to remain resilient and work as a cohesive unit on the field, focusing on learning and growth through the tournament experience.