Vanuatu began its 2026 World Cup Qualifiers campaign with an impressive 4-1 victory over Samoa at VFF Freshwater Stadium in Port Vila. Under the guidance of coach Juliano Schmeling, Vanuatu displayed aggressive play from the outset, scoring just seven minutes into the match when experienced striker Alex Saniel found the back of the net.
Captain Brian Kaltak then assisted speedy forward John Alick, who extended Vanuatu’s lead to 2-0 in the 37th minute, taking the home team into halftime comfortably ahead.
Samoa managed to respond in the 55th minute, with substitute striker Nathan Viliamu scoring on a counterattack, finishing past the advancing goalkeeper after being fed by Dauntae Mariner. However, Vanuatu quickly regained its two-goal advantage when Alick scored again just two minutes later.
Continuing to dominate, Vanuatu created several scoring opportunities, culminating in Bong Kalo’s stunning goal from outside the box in injury time, concluding the match at 4-1.
Both teams will return to action during the November FIFA international window, facing off in Group B matches in Hamilton and Auckland against New Zealand and Tahiti.