The Fiji Young Kulas are set to make history tomorrow as they take the field in Colombia, becoming the first Fijian women’s team to compete at a FIFA World Cup event. Coached by Angeline Chua, the team will face strong contenders Brazil at Estadio Atanasio Girardot in Medellín.
This initial challenge comes as the Young Kulas are placed in Group B alongside Brazil, France, and Canada. Assistant coach Annette Nainima shared that the team is feeling both “excited and nervous” about the encounter. She noted that many of the players have only watched the Women Under-20 World Cup on television, selecting their favorite teams to cheer for. “Now to play against a team like Brazil and Canada is something big for them,” she commented.
Fiji’s journey to the World Cup began in October when FIFA expanded the U-20 Women’s World Cup from 16 to 24 teams. The team had previously competed in the OFC qualifying competition, securing the runners-up position behind New Zealand in the 2023 OFC U-19 Women’s Championship held in July. The expansion of the tournament allowed Fiji to join New Zealand on the world stage.
Nainima also emphasized the support from their federation, highlighting the enthusiasm of their CEO who ensured the team received optimal resources. The squad underwent thorough preparation, gathering in Canberra and participating in pre-tournament friendlies in the United States and Costa Rica prior to arriving in Colombia. Nainima described this experience as an “eye-opening” education, exposing the players to diverse playing styles from around the world.
The players were particularly surprised by the structure of some international teams, noting the presence of numerous coaches and staff, which contrasted with their own experience as a smaller nation. The majority of the Young Kulas are based in Fiji, with many having participated in the recent Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
To bolster their roster, Fiji also integrated players from the Fijian diaspora in the U.S., including 15-year-old goalkeeper Aliana Vakaloloma and Fullerton Titans’ player Talei Moodie, who joined the squad recently. Nainima expressed concerns about the integration process, but these quickly faded when the two seamlessly blended in with the team.
Fiji’s first match against Brazil is scheduled for 11 am on Sunday, September 1, followed by encounters with Canada at 1 pm on Wednesday, September 4, and France at 10 am on Saturday, September 7, all in Fiji time.