Youth Football Takes Spotlight as OFC U-19

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND — The pathway to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup begins here. The draw for the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2025, conducted today at the OFC Home of Football – Te Kahu o Kiwa in Auckland, has set the stage for a thrilling Pacific showdown, with hosts Tahiti handed a formidable challenge against defending champions New Zealand.

Group Stage Breakdown: Fireworks in Group B
The tournament, hosted in Tahiti from 21 September to 4 October 2025, will see eight teams compete across two groups:

• Group A: Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands, and the winner of March’s qualifying tournament in Tonga.
• Group B: New Zealand (holders), Tahiti (hosts), New Caledonia, and Vanuatu.

The draw positions Group B as a tactical battleground, with New Zealand seeking to extend their regional dominance. However, Tahiti’s home advantage and the physicality of New Caledonia and Vanuatu promise no easy matches.

“This is where stars are born,” said OFC Women’s Football Director Emma Evans. “With a FIFA U-20 World Cup spot at stake, every team will bring their fiercest competitive edge.”

Qualifying Tournament: Tonga’s Crucial Role
Before the main event, four teams—Tonga, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and American Samoa—will battle in Nuku’alofa from 7–13 March 2025 for the final Group A slot. The qualifier not only amplifies opportunities for smaller nations but underscores OFC’s commitment to growing women’s football across the Pacific.

New Zealand’s Dual Challenge: Defense and Development
The Junior Football Ferns enter as favorites, having claimed six of the past seven OFC U-19 titles. Yet head coach Leon Birnie faces pressure to balance results with player development, as New Zealand aims to build depth ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

“Our group is a test of mentality,” Birnie remarked. “Tahiti’s home crowd will be electric, and Pacific derbies against New Caledonia and Vanuatu demand respect.”

Tahiti’s Moment in the Spotlight
For hosts Tahiti, the tournament represents a historic opportunity. Ranked 100th globally in women’s football, their U-19 squad will lean on local support and a core of players from AS Dragon Féminin, the nation’s top women’s club.

“Hosting this championship is a milestone,” said Tahitian FA President Lionel Lafargue. “We’re not just competing—we’re inspiring the next generation.”

What’s at Stake?

The OFC U-19 Women’s Championship serves as Oceania’s qualifier for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, with the winner securing direct entry. For nations like Vanuatu and Cook Islands, progression would mark their first-ever appearance at a global youth tournament.

Pitchside HQ Insight
This expanded format signals OFC’s strategic push to elevate women’s youth football. With increased broadcast coverage expected (details pending), the 2025 edition could become a watershed moment for visibility and investment in the Pacific game.

Follow #PitchsideHQ for live updates, tactical breakdowns, and exclusive interviews as teams prepare for September’s kickoff.