New Zealand have booked their place in the semi-finals of OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 with a 2-0 win over Fiji at the Samoa Football HQ in Apia.  

Both goals came in the second half for the Junior All Whites, who relied on the impact of their bench to breakthrough some spirited Fijian resistance, sealing progression from Group B with a match to spare.  

The defending champions had defeated Fiji in the semi-finals on their way to the title in 2024, but found themselves frustrated for much of the opening 45 minutes here, failing to pierce the back of the net despite dominating possession and territory.  

It took until the 54th minute to finally break the deadlock, half-time substitute Bailey Ferguson pouncing on a rebound inside the penalty box, after Harley Hill had his initial effort blocked following a corner delivery off the left.  

Fellow substitute Oliver Grosso wrapped up the three points with the decisive second goal later in the 79th minute, tapping the ball in from close range following an impressive run down the right from player of the match Aaron Cartwright.  

Fresh off a 7-2 win over Vanuatu in their first group stage match, the Junior Bula Boys created a few moments of their own across the course of the contest too, captain Delon Shankar firing a direct free kick inches over the bar in the first half, and Abdullah Khairati narrowly missing the bottom-left corner in the second.

Ultimately New Zealand’s depth shone through though, joining the Solomon Islands in the last four, as two teams to have already advanced with a matchday in either group still to play.

New Zealand: 2 (Bailey FERGUSON 54’, Oliver GROSSO 79’)
Fiji: 0  

HT: 0-0

Earlier in the day, Tahiti scored a late equaliser to grab a vital point against Vanuatu, keeping both nation’s hopes of advancing beyond the group stage alive. 

Tahiti were much the brighter side for large spells of the opening period, with Anuhea Arapari threatening early on, as Vanuatu struggled to find a foothold in the game.

Oguen Teanihi had the first real effort on goal of the match. The N0.10’s effort from distance was well hit, forcing Vanuatu goalkeeper Jesse Thomas in to a fine, low save. Herehei Teaha fired the subsequent rebound well over.

The turning point arrived shortly before half-time. Tahiti’s Kahi Morgant picked up his first yellow card in the 41st minute and when he committed a lazy trip just five minutes later, referee Ben Aukwai had little choice other than to brandish a second yellow and dismiss the midfielder.

Philemon John’s side looked to take advantage quickly after the break and just eleven minutes after the restart they had their reward.

Having won possession deep in Tahiti’s half, the ball was fed to Bule Hariri, who cut in from the right-hand side and flashed an effort towards the far post. The ball took a slight nick off of Tauhiki Bohl, leaving ‘keeper Tahutini with no chance as the net bulged behind him.

Vanuatu briefly thought they had doubled their lead just before the drinks break, but Rohan Masauvakalo was denied by the offside flag, having slide the ball under Tahutini.

Despite being a man down, Tahiti ended the 90 minutes the stronger team, with an leveller looking far likelier than Vanuatu doubling their advantage.

And so it was, with the clock ticking towards stoppage time that they finally found their breakthrough. Substitute Elias Jamet saw his initial effort saved by Thomas, before hooking the loose ball across the face of goal for the waiting Nathan Scavazza to tap in from a few yards out.

The draw keeps both teams in with a chance of a semi-final place, though they would need to win their final group fixture to have any chance to keeping their campaign alive. Tahiti will face Fiji, whilst Vanuatu will play New Zealand on the final matchday in Group B on Tuesday.

Vanuatu: 1 (Bule HARIRI 56′)
Tahiti: 1 (Nathan SCAVAZZA 89′)

HT: 0-0
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek