OFC U-20 Championship 1988

The seventh edition of the OFC U-20 Championship took place in 1988 and doubled as qualification for intercontinental play-offs for the 1989 FIFA World Youth Championship™ in Saudi Arabia. The tournament was held in Suva, Fiji, and was contested between seven nations.

After narrow wins against Papua New Guinea and Fiji, New Zealand progressed from Group A top, while Australia eased through Group B with comfortable victories over Taiwan and Vanuatu. The semifinals saw New Zealand edge Taiwan 2-1, while Australia beat Fiji in a goal frenzy 4-2.

A decisive first half-strike from Zoran Ilic in the 26th minute of the match inspired Australia to a 1-0 victory over New Zealand in the final, who clinched their fourth consecutive and fifth OFC U-20 Championship title overall.

Australia and New Zealand both progressed into an intercontinental play-off group with Syria and Qatar but neither OFC representative qualified for the 1989 FIFA Youth World Championships, finishing 3rd and 4th.