COVID-19 scuppered their plans of playing in the knockout stage in 2020, but with the same coach again six years later, and a strong mix of youth and experience, Vanuatu representatives Galaxy FC arrive at OFC Men’s Champions League 2026 with high hopes of progressing deep.
“Our primary objective is to win our group stage matches and finish top of the table,” says head coach Batram Suri. “Our ultimate goal though, is to win the final and create history for Vanuatu.”
The Port Villa-based club will be appearing in the group stage for a third time, and have been placed with Rewa FC, Lae City FC, and Tupapa Maraerenga FC in Group B – an opportunistic draw.
Their preparation has also been concentrated, playing three matches in the Solomon Islands en route to Fiji, including one against fellow OFC Men’s Champions League 2026 competitors Central Coast FC.
“Our preparations have been going well. Training has been positive, and discipline and respect for one another remain key values within our team.”
“Qualifying for an Oceania competition is something every club in the region dreams of and targets. Every club has the ambition to become champions and represent their country on the Oceania stage.”
History
Galaxy FC are returning to the OFC Men’s Champions League for the first time in four years, having been eliminated at the group stage in 2022.
Prior to that, they had secured progression to the quarter-finals in 2020 on their tournament debut before the competition was cancelled by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Coach: Batram Suri
An iconic football figure within Melanesia, former Solomon Islands international Batram Suri will coach Galaxy FC at OFC Men’s Champions League for a second time, having previously been at the helm for their inaugural campaign in 2020.
Suri re-joined for a second stint as head coach in October last year and has also played in two editions of the tournament himself, including with former Vanuatu juggernauts Amicale FC.
The Squad
Whilst there are no OFC Pro League players in Suri’s squad, Galaxy FC still pack some experience, with seven still around from their last visit to the competition in 2022, of which four have played in both of their previous campaigns.
Seven of the squad are Vanuatu internationals, including forward Kensi Tangis, midfielders Bong Kalo and Claude Aru, and defender Selwyn Vatu. Suri has also added a touch of home with two Solomon Islands internationals, goalkeeper Michael Laulae, and defender Aengari Gagame.
Player to Watch: Kensi Tangis
A veteran of 10 OFC Men’s Champions League campaigns, including both of Galaxy FC’s two previous visits, 36-year-old striker Kensi Tangis is one of the most experienced men taking to the pitch at the tournament in 2026, and has scored 16 goals in 33 appearances dating back to his tournament debut in 2012.
Tangis is also Vanuatu’s all-time appearance holder with 38 international caps and nine goals and will be relied upon heavily both on and off the pitch in Fiji.
Squad List
Match Schedule
Sunday 9th August, 3pm local time
Galaxy FC v Rewa FC
Churchill Park, Lautoka
Wednesday 12th August, 7pm local time
Lae City FC v Galaxy FC
4R Govind Park, Ba
Saturday 15th August, 12pm local time
Tupapa Maraerenga FC v Galaxy FC
4R Govind Park, Ba
How to Watch
OFC Men’s Champions League 2026 will be taking place in Fiji from 9-22 August. You can watch the action LIVE and FREE on FIFA+ via DAZN HERE