The OFC Futsal Men’s Cup 2025 is set to get underway in Fiji, with five teams battling for regional pride and valuable experience ahead of future international competitions.

Hosts Fiji, Solomon Islands, New Zealand, Vanuatu and Tuvalu are all aiming to make strong starts as the tournament begins tomorrow.

Fiji

With coach José Rosa leading a long–term project in futsal, Fiji are determined to deliver in front of home fans.

“This is a three-year project. I will stay here with this team. This tournament is very important. It’s the beginning of a new cycle in Fiji.”
He knows expectations are high on home soil.

“We have the responsibility to play at home. We have to give the best to our supporters. I have a lot of respect for Vanuatu and his coach. But with all due respect, we are here to win.”

For him, the goal is simple.

“We want to show the Fijian public a victory so they can be happy and we can keep supporting them. I think our boys are ready to play. They are really excited and they are going to give their best.”

Solomon Islands

The Kurukuru arrive as the region’s most experienced futsal nation. Head coach Dickson Kadau says preparation has gone to plan.

“The preparation is so far so good. Our lads are together and we are prepared in a good mood. We expect a good result out of this tournament.”

“It’s really a good tournament that brings all our countries together.”

Tuvalu

After a 14–year absence, Tuvalu return to the OFC futsal stage excited and ready to compete. Without a proper court at home, the team has spent most of their time preparing in Suva.

“It’s the first time we’ve joined the tournament since 2011. As we don’t have the real futsal court in Tuvalu, we decided to do our preparation in Fiji.” said Tuvalu Physical Trainer Michiel Van Der Werf.

Facing New Zealand in their first match, the coach compared the challenge to a biblical underdog story.

“Our first game is against New Zealand, the regional powerhouse. For us, it’s like David against Goliath a little bit. The main goal is to showcase Tuvalu football and the passion for football.”

The team is also motivated by its local supporters in Fiji.

“We have a lot of Tuvaluans living here in Fiji that are excited to come to watch their home country. We’re hoping we can give them some excitement.”

New Zealand

The Futsal Whites have used tours in Thailand and China to build their squad. Head coach Marvin Eakins admits preparation has been different but sees huge value in the competition.

“We haven’t had many training sessions, but we’ve had the opportunity to play a couple of tours. This is a great opportunity to expose our players to the international game against some very good teams.”

Their opening clash against the Solomon Islands is one he relishes.

“First up is Solomon Islands. No matter which players go out for both teams, it’s going to be an exciting game to watch. We are certainly not underestimating our biggest rivals. We want to win the game.”

He also noted the bigger picture for futsal in New Zealand.

“In New Zealand, people are starting to take more notice of futsal. We have a responsibility to put together good performances but also show that the future is good and that we will continue to produce good players.”

Vanuatu

For Vanuatu, the tournament is both a test and an opportunity. Head coach Tito Quai said his team are relishing the chance to perform well over the next week.

“On behalf of Vanuatu Football Federation, I want to say thank you to OFC and Fiji FA for organising this tournament. Preparations have been well and our boys are really excited.”

He expects a tough opening match against the hosts.

“It has always been an intense match with Fiji. We know they are playing at home. We are expecting a good crowd and a good atmosphere. We are prepared mentally and tactically.”

Looking ahead, Quai wants steady progress from his team.

“Our goal is to improve our ranking. We are currently fifth, so our goal is to improve. We are preparing a new generation of players, transitioning experienced players and new players.”

Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek. 

Full match schedule: