The action continues with women’s football in Oceania, as the OFC Women’s Champions League 2026 – Qualifying kicks off in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, with three teams looking to secure their place at the championship stage.
Just one week after the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Oceania Qualifiers concluded, senior women’s football in the region remains in full swing as Nukuhetulu FC, Pansa FC and Puaikura FC compete in the first-ever OFC Women’s Champions League qualifiers.
Nukuhetulu FC and Puaikura FC arrive as tournament debutants, while PanSa carry useful experience competing in the OFC Women’s Champions League after for the first time last year.
The coaches joined media ahead of the first match day tomorrow.
Puaikura FC
Hosts Puaikura FC make their tournament debut at home, becoming the second club from the Cook Islands to compete at the OFC Women’s Champions League. The club won their first domestic championship in 2025 snapping a five-year trophy drought and booking their place on the regional stage.
Head coach Daniel Taokia said the team are determined to reach the next stage and look to draw strength from the home crowd.
“It very important for us to try reach next stage. For Puaikura FC this is the first time in the OFC Women’s Champions League, so we just want to give our best and show what we can do.
“If we go through, it will be big achievement not only for the club but also for Cook Islands football – and yes, playing at home make it more special.
“To have our supporters, family, and community behind us give the players extra motivation. We really want to make them proud and put on good performance for everyone who come to watch,” Taokia said.
PanSa FC
The American Samoan club return to the OFC Women’s Champions League, after competing in last years tournament for the first time ever. Following the historic run of American Samoa’s senior women’s team during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ Oceania Qualifiers, the club look to build off the momentum and find their way back into the championship stage.
In 2025 PanSa competed amongst Oceania’s top clubs, gaining useful experience against champions Auckland United FC and Hekari United FC.
Experience that head coach Valerio Raccuglia feels will help carry his team forward in the Cook Islands.
“The experience from 2025 was very important for us. That was first time for many of our players to play at that level, so they learn a lot from those matches. They understand now the speed of the game, the physical side, and what is needed to compete with top teams.
“It helped the team grow in confidence and also showed us where we need to improve. Now coming into this tournament, the players feel more ready and more prepared. That experience will help us a lot as we try again to secure our place in the Championship stage.”
Nukuhetulu FC
The club becomes the first team from Tonga to compete at an OFC Women’s Champions League, marking a significant step for women’s football in the Kingdom. Their appearance comes just months after their senior men’s team made their historic debut at the OFC Men’s Champions League qualifying tournament in January.
Head coach Lafaele Moala described the tournament as a massive opportunity for his team to test themselves against high-level regional competition.
“This is a very special moment for us and for Tonga football. It’s the first time a team from Tonga is at the OFC Women’s Champions League, we feel very proud and happy and it’s a big honour for players, staff, and everyone back home.
“Women’s football in Tonga is growing more now—more girls playing, the level getting better, and more belief coming. This is a chance not only to compete, but also to represent our country, inspire young girls, and show we can play at this level.”
Full match schedule
Watch the action LIVE and FREE on our OFC YouTube Channel
Fixtures
Tuesday, 21 April 2PM (local time)
Puaikura FC v Nukuhetulu FC | WATCH LIVE
Friday, 24 April 2PM (local time)
Puaikura FC v PanSa FC | WATCH LIVE
Monday, 27 April 2PM (local time)
Nukuhetulu FC v PanSa FC | WATCH LIVE