Oceania’s two most successful beach soccer nations will battle for a record fifth OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup crown when Tahiti host the Solomon Islands in the final of the 2026 edition at Aorai Tini Hau on Saturday afternoon.
Tied on four titles apiece dating back to the inaugural edition of the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup twenty years ago, Saturday’s winner will not only qualify for FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2027™ but also become the most successful nation in the history of the competition.
Having met in four of the previous eight finals, including each of the last three, Tahiti and the Solomon Islands are well acquainted at this stage of the competition, but it’s the Tiki Toa who have gained the upper hand.
The tournament hosts have won all four previous finals against the Solomon Islands and have dominated the rivalry in recent times, despite some close margins.
Ahead of the final, the coaches and captains of the two nations gathered at Aorai Tini Hau on Friday to share their thoughts.
Route to the Final
Playing on home sands in Pirae, Tahiti have been the dominant force again in 2026, winning all three of their group-stage matches, scoring 37 goals and conceding just eight to finish with a goal difference of +29.Their run has included emphatic victories over Vanuatu and New Caledonia, as well as a decisive 7-4 win over the Solomon Islands.
The Bilikiki also comfortably secured their place in the final despite their group-stage defeat to Tahiti, beating New Caledonia 10-5 and Vanuatu 7-2. They finished with six points and a goal difference of +7.
Tale of the Tape
The story of this rivalry can be divided into two parts.
The Solomon Islands won each of their first four meetings against Tahiti, claiming three consecutive OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup titles between 2006 and 2009.
Tahiti have since turned the tables though, winning each of the last eight meetings, including all four previous finals between the nations in 2011, 2019, 2023 and 2024.
The Tiki Toa are on a 17-match unbeaten run at the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup, dating back to a group-stage defeat to the Solomon Islands in 2011. They have dominated the competition over the last decade and are hunting a fourth consecutive title, as well as qualification for a ninth FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
Meanwhile, the Solomon Islands are aiming to end a 13-year wait since they last lifted the trophy and return to the world stage for the first time since 2013.
Key Players
Heirauarii Salem (Tahiti)
With 12 goals across three matches, including seven in one match against Vanuatu, Tahiti’s Heirauarii Salem is on course to retain the Golden Boot award he won at the previous edition of the tournament in 2024.
Salem is currently Oceania’s most prolific beach soccer goalscorer, having recently overtaken James Naka as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer, taking his overall tally to 36 after scoring four against New Caledonia.
Max Fa’ari (Solomon Islands)
One of the more experienced players in the Solomon Islands squad, Max Fa’ari is appearing in his fourth OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup, having finished as the team’s leading scorer with eight goals in 2023.
He scored a further five in 2024 and added another against Vanuatu in the group stage of this year’s tournament. While none of the current squad have previously tasted success against Tahiti, Fa’ari’s experience and leadership will be invaluable as the Bilikiki attempt to end their long title drought.
Coaches Comments
Tahiti player/coach Raimana Li Fung Kuee said:
“I’m very satisfied with my team so far. I think the players have shown a lot of seriousness and discipline throughout these three matches. They have shown that they have given everything.”
“As usual, with Solomon Islands, it’s always a very difficult and highly competitive match. Self-control, knowing how to manage the pressure, and the team that makes the fewest mistakes is the one that will win the match.”
Solomon Islands head coach James Naka said:
“We have worked hard and did some extra work to try to step up with our performance against Tahiti in the final.”
“I think it will be an interesting game tomorrow, Tahiti beat us in the pool match. We’ll bounce back, we’ll give everything. This is the last game, it’s the final, so we need to step up our performance in the final.
Fixture Details
OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup 2026 final
Tahiti v Solomon Islands
Saturday 31st October, 4pm local time
Aorai Tini Hau, Pirae, Tahiti
How to Watch
Watch the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup 2026 final live and free on OFC’s YouTube channel HERE