The fight to be crowned the best women’s team in Melanesia will take centre stage in Fiji this month, with the second edition of the women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup set to run alongside the men’s tournament at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Defending champions Papua New Guinea return to the competition looking to retain the trophy they lifted on home soil last year, but face a fresh challenge from their four fellow Melanesian neighbours – hosts Fiji, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and Vanuatu.
Like the men’s event, all five teams will play each other once in a round-robin format, before the top two on the standings play in the final on Saturday, October 3.
The competition kicks off on Thursday evening, when the Solomon Islands play Vanuatu, and Fiji host Papua New Guinea in a replay of last year’s final.
Fiji
Current FIFA women’s ranking: 80
Runners-up at last year’s edition of the tournament, Fiji will welcome Melanesia to Suva for an historic second staging of the women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, and again on paper look the best-placed to challenge Papua New Guinea for the title.
Playing on home soil again after hosting Round 2 of the Oceania Qualifiers for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ in Ba, the Kulas went on to lose to New Zealand in Hamilton in the qualifying semi-finals, and have been busy this year, playing six matches in nine months, including a two-match tour of Hong Kong.
Head coach Nicola Demaine will miss at least the start of the campaign, having led the U-16 national team at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, but should be back for the closing stages of the campaign, where Fiji will be favourites to feature.
Papua New Guinea
Current FIFA women’s ranking: 58
This year’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup will serve a critical part of Papua New Guinea’s preparation for the upcoming intercontinental play-offs for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™, where the Bilums are set to play Uzbekistan, Ghana, and Chinese Taipei.
With the November play-offs now only two months away, head coach Ercisson Komeng has limited time to sharpen his squad as they push to reach the global finals for the first time, adding another layer to defending their Melanesian title.
They were convincing winners last year, scoring 12 goals in three games without reply, including a 3-0 victory over Fiji in the final. Soon to play some of the biggest matches in the nation’s history, securing back-to-back titles in Fiji is a must.
Solomon Islands
Current FIFA women’s ranking: 89
It’s been a disappointing 14-month period for the Solomon Islands, who have failed to build on their historic OFC Women’s Nations Cup win last year and crashed out in the second round of FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying earlier in 2026.
They return to Fijian soil for the first time since being crowned champions of Oceania looking for their first international victory of the year as such, with veteran coach Patrick Miniti taking charge of the 20-player squad.
The continental champions were semi-finalists at the Prime Minister’s Cup last year but were heavily beaten by Papua New Guinea 4-0 in the semi-finals and must draw on their previous success in Suva if they are to challenge for the Melanesian crown.
New Caledonia
Current FIFA women’s ranking: 104
Fresh from watching their U-20 women’s national team make their debut at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland earlier this month, and the U-16 national team qualify for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2027™ overnight, there is optimism around women’s football in New Caledonia at the moment.
Earlier in the year, they also made the trip to Thailand to play against opposition from outside Oceania for the first time, marking significant exposure for the country’s pool of female representatives over the last 12 months.
Translating that newfound experience to the Melanesian stage is the next challenge for New Caledonia as they make their MSG Prime Minister’s Cup debut in the women’s competition over the next month.
Vanuatu
Current FIFA women’s ranking: 108
Recovering from a winless FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ Oceania qualifying campaign that saw them exit in Round 2, Vanuatu are looking to rebuild and return to winning ways at this year’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup.
In 2025 they finished third, defeating the Solomon Islands 4-2 to claim the bronze medal, a benchmark they’ll be looking to hit again in Fiji.
The lowest ranked of the five Melanesian member associations, they start as underdogs but have the ability to punch above their weight.
Fixture Schedule
All matches are being played at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Matchday 1 | Thursday September 17
Solomon Islands v Vanuatu | 4pm local time
Fiji v Papua New Guinea | 7pm local time
Matchday 2 | Sunday September 20
New Caledonia v Papua New Guinea | 4pm local time
Fiji v Vanuatu | 7pm local time
Matchday 3 | Wednesday September 23
Vanuatu v New Caledonia | 4pm local time
Fiji v Solomon Islands | 7pm local time
Matchday 4 | Saturday September 26
New Caledonia v Solomon Islands | 4pm local time
Papua New Guinea v Vanuatu | 7pm local time
Matchday 5 | Tuesday September 29
Papua New Guinea v Solomon Islands | 4pm local time
Fiji v New Caledonia | 7pm local time
Matchday 6 | Saturday October 3
Final | 12pm local time