The final push for a place at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2026 will unfold in Port Moresby, with the Cook Islands, American Samoa and hosts Papua New Guinea set to contest the qualifying stage for a single spot at the tournament, to be held in Honiara, Solomon Islands in September.
Cook Islands head coach Tuka Tisam expressed confidence in his teams readiness, highlighting the strong connections forming within the group in the lead-up to the qualifiers.
“Preparation’s been good. The girls are coming together really well,” said Tisam. “We’ve got some players from New Zealand, and we’re jamming with the girls right now.”
With many players returning from last year’s campaign, Tisam believes his squad has matured significantly and is better equipped for the challenge ahead.
“They are at the right age now. They are more mature,” he said. “A lot of them learned from the last tournament, and they’re ready for this one.”
The experience of narrowly missing out previously remains a driving force for the Cook Islands side.
“It’ll be huge for the girls. Some of them played the last one and didn’t make it through,” Tisam added. “This is their chance to go to the next round, and it means a lot.”
For hosts Papua New Guinea, head coach Susan Steven emphasised both preparation and the advantage of playing in familiar surroundings. With local support expected in strong numbers, her team will look to use the occasion as motivation.
“The preparation is going well. The girls are ready and looking forward to this tournament,” said Steven.
“Playing at home, on the ground, is definitely an advantage for us. Our families and all of Papua New Guinea will be supporting the team.”
Steven also outlined the key ingredients required for her side to progress.
“We just need discipline, teamwork, the right mindset, and consistency,” she said. “We have to work together to move forward to the next stage.”
“Please come and support the team. There’s no entry fee, so we want everyone to be there with us,” she added.
American Samoa arrive with the benefit of early acclimatisation, having reached Port Moresby ahead of the other teams. Head coach Diane Justus noted the importance of adjusting to the local conditions as part of their preparation.
“For us, preparation has been good. We got here earlier and adjusted to the environment,” she said. “It’s not the same as back home, but the girls are adapting well.”
She also pointed to the unpredictable weather as a factor the team has had to manage.
“The weather is unpredictable. Sometimes we expect humidity, but it’s cool instead,” Diane explained. “But overall, the team is settling in.”
Having qualified for the championship in the previous cycle, American Samoa are aiming to build on that success.
“We see the importance of winning this stage to get to the next one,” she said. “We’re coming here with that same intention again.”
With only one team set to advance, each side brings a blend of experience, determination, and ambition into the qualifiers, setting the stage for a competitive tournament in Port Moresby.
As the action approaches, all three teams remain focused on their goal to secure qualification and taking the next step on the regional stage.
Photo Credit: OFC Media
Fixtures
Saturday, April 18
American Samoa v Cook Islands | Watch LIVE
Tuesday, April 21
American Samoa v Papua New Guinea | Watch LIVE
Friday, April 24
Cook Islands v Papua New Guinea | Watch LIVE