The stage is set for the OFC U-15 Girls Youth Development Tournament 2026, as eight nations from across Oceania prepare to converge on Churchill Park in Fiji from 4–12 May.

Hosted in Lautoka, the tournament will see teams split into two groups, with Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands and Tahiti drawn in Group A, while New Zealand, New Caledonia, Fiji and Cook Islands make up Group B.

Now in its third year, the OFC U-15 Development Tournament continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of football across the region. Delivered in collaboration with UEFA through the UEFA Together programme, the initiative focuses on providing a safe, supportive environment where young players, coaches, referees and administrators can experience the demands of international football.

This tournament represents the first taste of international competition and even international travel for many participants. In Oceania, players often make their debut on the global stage at the U-16 level, with FIFA Women’s World Cup™ qualification pathways already on the line. The OFC U-15 Development Tournament helps bridge that gap, equipping young athletes with the tools and experience needed before stepping into higher stake environments without the pressure of focussing on the results of the game.

Each match will consist of three 25-minute thirds, with a 7-minute interval between each period. If the scores are level at the end of normal time, no extra time will be played. At the end of each match, a penalty shootout will take place regardless of the score. Each team will take five penalty kicks, with a sudden death format used if the scores remain equal.

Off the pitch, there is also a focus on development of players and staff. Education sessions will be led by strength and conditioning coach Maha Shankar, focusing on key topics such as physical preparation, recovery, and the relationship between menstruation and performance, offering players valuable insight into caring for their bodies both on and off the field.

Adding further inspiration, two Football Ferns will attend as ambassadors. Kelli Brown, currently playing for Perth Glory, and Anna Leat of Newcastle Jets, will spend time with each team, sharing their journeys and offering a glimpse into the opportunities football can provide.

Their presence builds on previous editions, where experienced players such as former New Zealand international Kirsty Yallop, alongside current Football Ferns, Grace Jale and Mackenzie Barry, engaged with players as tournament ambassadors. The impact of these role models helps young players visualise pathways in football both on and off the pitch.

Not only is this a development tournament for players, it’s also an opportunity for young referees to have their first experience of officiating international matches to prepare them for further OFC competitions. A referee observer will also be appointed to supervise the match officials and conduct post-match analysis meetings to help their development.

While matches will be played and skills tested, the true success of the tournament lies in development. This provides opportunities where players are experiencing tournament structures and travel, as well as giving coaches and referees the opportunity to grow in an international setting.