Vanuatu launched its campaign for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers at VFF Freshwater Stadium in Port Vila with an impressive 4-1 victory over Samoa.
Under the guidance of coach Juliano Schmeling, Vanuatu began the match with a strong offensive approach and quickly found the back of the net just seven minutes in, thanks to veteran striker Alex Saniel.
Captain Brian Kaltak assisted the speedy John Alick, who extended Vanuatu’s lead to 2-0 in the 37th minute as they went into halftime.
Samoa managed to score in the 55th minute against the run of play, with substitute striker Nathan Viliamu capitalizing on a counterattack initiated by Dauntae Mariner, outrunning the defense and placing the ball into an empty net past the advancing goalkeeper.
However, Vanuatu’s momentum remained strong, as Alick netted their third goal just two minutes later.
The team kept up their pressure, creating several scoring opportunities, and Bong Kalo confirmed the win with a brilliant strike from outside the box during injury time.
Both teams will return to action in the November FIFA international window, facing Group B opponents New Zealand and Tahiti in Hamilton and Auckland.