History was made earlier this month when New Caledonia made their debut at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, the first FIFA women’s finals that the OFC member association has ever participated in.
Reflecting on her role as a trailblazer for women’s football in the country, attacker Julia Honakoko leaves with memories that will last her a lifetime.
“Taking part in New Caledonia’s first-ever FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup has meant writing a page in history for football in our country” says Honakoko.
“Sharing this with my teammates has been the most beautiful part of the journey. We cried together, laughed together, and made history together. Sharing this experience with them has made it unforgettable.”
New Caledonia lost all three of their group stage matches and finished bottom of Group F but produced some encouraging moments against some of the world’s more established female national youth sides in Poland.
They held China scoreless for 46 minutes of their opening match and scored their first goal at a FIFA women’s event when Joceline Kourevi found the back of the net in the 89th minute of New Caledonia’s final match with Nigeria.
“We wanted to show a positive image of New Caledonia’s youth: a generation that works hard, sets goals for itself and can compete against the best teams in the world. It’s been an immense source of pride and great responsibility.”
Honakoko started in two of the team’s three matches at the tournament, captaining New Caledonia in their very first match on the global stage against China at Arena Sosnowiec in Southern Poland.
She also came off the bench in the only match she didn’t start, accumulating over 230 minutes of gametime over the course of the tournament.
“I approached it with a great deal of pride, but also with a lot of humility. Being captain meant being there for my teammates, encouraging them, leading by example and remaining positive, even during difficult moments.”
“I also felt responsibility towards everyone who had supported us along the way. Qualification for the World Cup was the result of a collective effort, and I wanted to live up to the trust that had been placed in us.”
Honakoko played a major part in their qualification campaign as well, scoring two goals on their run to the final of OFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2025 in Tahiti, including the late winner in a crucial victory over Vanuatu during the group stage.
It wasn’t just her performances in the qualification campaign that took Honakoko to the world stage though, but also the sacrifices and choices she made to develop her skills from a young age.
“There have been sacrifices, of course: leaving my family, missing important moments, training when others are resting, and dealing with fatigue, doubts and injuries. But in the end, every sacrifice becomes a source of strength. Because when you hear your national anthem being played in a World Cup stadium, you understand why you gave everything.”
Now having been the first female footballer to lead New Caledonia at a World Cup, Honakoko hopes she and her teammates have inspired the next generation.
“I hope this World Cup will be a starting point. That it will inspire young girls to play, to dream, and to believe that anything is possible.”
“If this experience can inspire a new generation, create more opportunities, more support and greater visibility, then our mission will be accomplished. We have opened a door. Now it is up to the next generation to walk through it and go even further.”
Photo credit: FIFA via Getty Images