National striker and leading goal scorer in Oceania, Roy Krishna, is set to be a key player for Fiji as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Oceania Qualifiers next month. Krishna, who is also the most-capped player for Fiji with a 16-year international career, has been actively participating in the team’s training ahead of the qualifiers.
Fiji Football CEO Mohammed Yusuf stated that the team has been training effectively, particularly following their recent Tri-Nations series where they achieved a victory over the Solomon Islands and secured a draw against Hong Kong.
The Bula Boys will head to Papua New Guinea on November 9 for two matches. Krishna is scheduled to arrive on October 6 and will play against the Solomon Islands on October 10 before returning to India on October 12 to rejoin the squad in PNG.
At 37, Krishna continues to compete at a high level with his club Odisha in the Indian Super League. Yusuf emphasized the importance of integrating experienced players like Krishna, Samuela Kautoga, Setareki Hughes, and Akuila Mateisuva with younger talents in the squad.
He also mentioned that coach Rob Sherman and the management team are devising a strategic game plan for their upcoming match against the Solomon Islands. Yusuf expressed optimism about the team’s preparations, stating, “Every team has a good chance, and everybody has been preparing well. We have confidence in this team and hopefully, we start with a win against the Solomon Islands.”
Fiji’s schedule for the World Cup Qualifiers includes matches against the Solomon Islands on October 10 at HFC Bank Stadium, Papua New Guinea on November 14 at PNG Football Stadium, and New Caledonia on November 17 at the same venue.