The original heavyweights of beach soccer in Oceania, the Solomon Islands will be attempting to end a 13-year wait for the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup title at this year’s tournament in Tahiti.
Champions of the first three editions of the tournament between 2006-2009, the Melanesian nation have won the title four times (including 2013) and have qualified for five FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups™.
Such success has been hard to come by over the last decade though, losing all of the last three OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup finals to Tahiti.
“Our main objective is to win the tournament and qualify back to the World Cup,” says Head Coach and beach soccer legend James Naka ahead of the 2026 edition.
All eyes will be on whether they can finally get past the Tiki Toa again and restore their dominance on the continental stage.
History
The joint most successful nation in competition history with four titles, the Solomon Islands are also the only nation to have appeared at every edition of the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup, dating back to its introduction in 2006.
As mentioned, they’ve lost all the last three finals to Tahiti, including on home sands in Honiara last time out in 2024, falling 2-3 in the decider.
The Coach: James Naka
A legendary beach soccer name in Oceania, James Naka will coach the Solomon Islands for the second OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Cup in a row and has been involved in all previous eight editions of the tournament.
“I love and enjoy playing beach soccer because it’s a short-sided, fast-paced game. It’s very entertaining,” says Naka.
He is also the top goalscorer in OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup history with 34 goals dating back to the first edition in 2006. His beach soccer nous and experience will be invaluable to the Solomon Islands again 20 years later.
The Squad
Seven members of the squad that reached the final two years ago remain in Naka’s travelling party to Tahiti. They are; Erick Wanega, James Do’oro, Charlie Otainao, Albert Bobby, Max Fa’ari, Peter Reginald, and Apolos Ahua.
Two players are also senior men’s national team football representatives for the Solomon Islands – Charlie Otainao and Adrian Mara. With an average age of 30, and one of the region’s most experienced former players leading them, they have a squad with considerable international beach soccer experience ready to challenge Tahiti.
Player to Watch: Erick Wanega
A goalkeeper in 11-aside foootball for Solomon Kings FC in the OFC Pro League, Erick Wanega is also a prolific forward on the sand for the Solomon Islands.
He scored eight goals at OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup 2024, five of which came in a single game against Papua New Guinea. His reliability in front of goal, rather than defending it, may be key for the Solomon Islands.
Squad List
Match Schedule
(All matches are played at Aorai Tini Hau, Pirae, Tahiti)
Papua New Guinea v Solomon Islands
Thursday 22nd October, 2pm local time
Solomon Islands v Tahiti
Saturday 24th October, 4pm local time
Solomon Islands v New Caledonia
Monday 26th October, 2pm local time
Vanuatu v Solomon Islands
Thursday 29th October, 4pm local time
How to Watch
All matches are available to watch LIVE and FREE on the OFC YouTube Channel