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 in a FIFA World Cup event. Coached by Angeline Chua, the team will face off against the formidable Brazilian team at Estadio Atanasio Girardot in Medellín.
This challenging opening match places Fiji in Group B alongside France, Canada, and Brazil. Assistant coach Annette Nainima expressed that the team is feeling both excitement and nerves ahead of this significant encounter. “For most of them, they have only watched the Women Under-20 World Cup on TV, cheering for their favorite teams. Now, facing teams like Brazil and Canada is a huge opportunity for them,” she stated.
Fiji’s journey to the World Cup began in October when FIFA expanded the U-20 Women’s World Cup format from 16 to 24 teams. Earlier this year, Fiji finished as runners-up to New Zealand in the 2023 OFC U-19 Women’s Championship, which allowed them to secure a spot in the World Cup alongside New Zealand.
Nainima highlighted the tremendous support from the federation back home, noting that their CEO was particularly enthusiastic, ensuring the team received the best preparation possible. The Young Kulas have undergone extensive training, including a camp in Canberra, and friendly matches in the United States and Costa Rica en route to Colombia, which provided them with valuable experience.
“This was an eye-opening education for the team,” Nainima explained, noting that they were exposed to various playing styles from around the world. She commented on how the team, accustomed to certain formations, were amazed to see the plethora of coaching staff and resources available to teams abroad compared to their own.
Most players in the Young Kulas squad are based in Fiji, with many also part of the senior team competing in the upcoming Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Fiji has also strengthened its roster by integrating the Fijian diaspora from the US, recently welcoming 15-year-old goalkeeper Aliana Vakaloloma and Fullerton Titans’ player Talei Moodie, who joined the team just weeks before the tournament.
Nainima noted that despite concerns about integrating new players, Moodie blended in seamlessly with the group, forming connections quickly and contributing positively to the team’s dynamics.
Fiji will kick off their World Cup campaign against Brazil at 11am on Sunday, September 1, followed by matches against Canada on Wednesday, September 4, at 1pm and France on Saturday, September 7, at 10am, all in Fiji time.