Latest news with #FIFAU-17Women'sWorldCup
Scoop
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Scoop
Rising Stars Set For OFC U-16 Women's Championship In Samoa
The stage is set in Apia for the 2025 OFC U-16 Women's Championship, as eight Pacific nations prepare to compete for regional glory and qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2027 in Morocco. Defending champions New Zealand return with their sights set on another title, while hosts Samoa look to build on their impressive runner-up finish in the previous edition, buoyed by passionate home support. At today's pre-tournament media conference, all eight teams shared a clear message: this championship is about more than results, it's a platform for growth, pride, and progress. There is plenty to play for, with the tournament winners and runners up qualifying for next year's FIFA U-17 Women's World Cuyp in Morocco. Led by Juan Chang Urrea, Samoa's youthful squad enters the tournament riding a wave of national excitement following the senior team's strong showing at the OFC Women's Nations Cup. Urrea said his side are proud to represent Samoa on home soil. 'We want every team to have an amazing experience in our beautiful country. But on the field, we don't think about tomorrow, we focus on winning today.' 'This is about being examples, on and off the pitch. We'll turn gratitude into growth and make Samoa proud with every action.' Chang Urrea said. Under head coach Alana Gunn, New Zealand brings a balanced squad blending tournament experience and fresh talent. The reigning champions are focused on continuing their dominant run, while developing players for the global stage. 'Every match here teaches adaptability to different styles, to life on tour, to growing as athletes and people,' said Gunn. 'The U-17 World Cup isn't just an achievement, it's a global stage where dreams become reality. That's what we're preparing these players for.' Inspired by their senior team's historic OFC Women's Nations Cup victory, the Solomon Islands aim to channel that momentum into their youth campaign under Japanese coach Kato Yamashita. 'Our goal is to become champions, but more importantly, to connect these players with the world through football,' said Yamashita. 'The Nations Cup win showed what's possible. Now it's their turn to inspire the next generation.' With a proud footballing tradition and increasing investment in women's football, New Caledonia arrives eager to compete under head coach Kengi Vendegu. 'I want the girls to have fun on the pitch,' said Vendegu. 'Yes, World Cup qualification is at stake, but it's also about enjoying the game and showing what we've worked hard on.' Coach Marika Rondu leads a diverse squad representing the full spectrum of Fiji's development system, from veterans making a third tournament appearance to newcomers experiencing international football for the first time. 'For some of these girls, it's their first flight, their first time away from home,' Rondu explained. 'Each game is a learning opportunity, not just in football, but in life as an athlete. We're growing day by day.' Tonga coach Shinsuke Okiso brings a philosophical approach, placing emphasis on mindset, self-belief, and long-term growth. 'I don't want them to just play, I want them to leave here with greater ambition,' he said. 'Playing for the national team means playing for yourself first, then for your team. I want them to feel something real and lasting from this experience.' Making their tournament debut having won the qualifying tournament earlier this year, American Samoa marks a major milestone in the nation's footballing journey. Coach Diane Justus sees this as a pivotal moment. 'This is history for our country,' said Justus.'It's our first time reaching this level. We're here to make the nation proud and show we can compete, and grow beyond where we've been before. Under the guidance of Delphine Soret, Tahiti arrives with a focus on patience and technical development. Their approach is about building solid foundations for the future. Soret and her staff are looking for progress, composure, and growth across the tournament, laying the groundwork for long-term success. The tournament kicks off tomorrow in Apia, with Fiji playing Tahiti in the opening group A match followed by Samoa against New Caledonia.
Ya Biladi
4 days ago
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
FIFA inaugurates Africa office at Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco
The Africa office of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was officially inaugurated on Saturday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, during a ceremony led by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The event was attended by Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe, Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) President Fouzi Lekjaa, and several other dignitaries. «This is a historic moment, a festive and joyful day that will be etched in golden letters in the history of FIFA and African football, in Morocco, and across the world», said Infantino. «I thank His Majesty King Mohammed VI for the momentum he has given to the development of sport across the continent», Infantino said, adding that the royal commitment to football development is «truly unique». He went on to say that the Mohammed VI Complex, now home to the FIFA Africa office, has become a nerve center for African football and a symbol of a country, and a continent, looking toward the future. «What we are inaugurating today is not just a FIFA Africa office. It's a global FIFA center that will have a worldwide impact on the game», Infantino emphasized. The FIFA president also recalled Morocco's upcoming role in major international tournaments, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the next five editions of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the Kingdom will co-host with Spain and Portugal. «The world will come together here in Morocco», he said. He also highlighted the significance of Saturday night's Women's Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Nigeria in Rabat, calling it «a grand celebration» of women's football in both Morocco and Africa, and praised the unmatched passion of Moroccan fans. CAF President Patrice Motsepe welcomed the opening of FIFA's Africa office in Morocco, saying, «There could not be a better place to establish this office». He expressed gratitude to King Mohammed VI for his continued efforts to promote football on the continent, noting that African football is now reaching a global standard. Reflecting on the performance of African teams at the last World Cup in Qatar, particularly Morocco's historic run to the semi-finals, Motsepe said he is convinced that African football is poised to dominate the global stage in the coming years. FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa emphasized that the Mohammed VI Complex, which now houses the FIFA Africa office, was made possible thanks to the enlightened vision of King Mohammed VI. He described the facility as the product of a broader strategy aimed at empowering Moroccan and African youth through sport. «This vision aspires to make Morocco a welcoming hub for talent from around the world», he said. Lekjaa added that the establishment of the office reflects FIFA's deep commitment to African football and the development of all its categories. He also reiterated that Morocco has long been, and will continue to be, a land of tolerance and a crossroads of civilizations. The agreement to establish the FIFA Africa office in Morocco was signed last December in Marrakech, on the sidelines of the 2024 CAF Awards ceremony, by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa.
Scoop
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Group A Teams Ready For OFC Women's Nations Cup Kick-Off In Lautoka
Press Release – Oceania Football Confederation Papua New Guineas head coach Ericsson Komeng, who recently led Hekari United Women to the final of the OFC Womens Champions League in Tahiti, returns to guide the national team as they defend the title they claimed in Fiji in 2022. Final preparations are underway for the four Group A teams ahead of the OFC Women's Nations Cup 2025, with match day one set to kick off at Lautoka's Churchill Park this Friday. This morning, the head coaches and captains of Cook Islands, defending champions Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tahiti came together at a pre-tournament media conference in Lautoka, sharing their thoughts on the competition and their opening matches. Papua New Guinea's head coach Ericsson Komeng, who recently led Hekari United Women to the final of the OFC Women's Champions League in Tahiti, returns to guide the national team as they defend the title they claimed in Fiji in 2022. 'It's going to be tough,' Komeng admitted. 'The two friendlies against Fiji [last month] gave us a lot to think about. The girls were a bit down after the second loss, but I have a quality side and I'm confident.' Captain Ramona Padio returns to bolster the side from the ankle injury she suffered in the OFC Women's Champions League semi-finals and missed the recent Fiji friendlies, bringing experience and leadership back to the squad. But first choice goalkeeper Faith Kasiray has been ruled out with a wrist injury suffered in training before the side departed for Fiji. Komeng is expecting a strong challenge in their opener against Samoa. 'They're a quality side, and that first match is very important for us,' he said. Samoa is led by head coach Juan Chang Urrea, who has been instrumental in shaping the country's women's football programme, coaching the U-16, U-19, and senior women's teams. Later this year, he will take Samoa's U-17 side to their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco. 'A lot of our girls represent Samoa from outside the country,' said Chang Urrea. 'This tournament will be a great learning experience. We know what the goal is, but we're focusing on taking things day by day.' Samoa brings a well-balanced team with a mix of youth and experience, with their clash Papua New Guinea clash an early litmus test for their campaign. Angela Wallbank will lead the Cook Islands, having coached Tupapa Maraerenga at the OFC Women's Champions League in May. Several players have been recruited from clubs in New Zealand, while one has joined from Perth. 'The biggest takeaway from the Champions League was seeing how other teams were structured,' Wallbank said. 'Now, with the ability to bring in players from New Zealand and Australia, we've added depth and balance across the park. That should help us counter some of the threats we identified in Tahiti.' Tahiti's squad, coached by Xavier Samin, includes six players from AS Pirae, who made their debut at the OFC Women's Champions League in May. The team's build-up has been challenging, with players juggling club commitments up until their departure for Fiji. 'With the team we have, we hope to go as far as possible,' said Samin. 'The Champions League in Tahiti gave us the chance to observe a lot of the players now in this tournament, so we have a good idea of the level of competition in the Pacific.' Group A action begins on Friday, with the Cook Islands taking on Tahiti in the tournament opener, followed by defending champions Papua New Guinea facing Samoa in the second match of the day. Full match schedule:
Scoop
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Group A Teams Ready For OFC Women's Nations Cup Kick-Off In Lautoka
Final preparations are underway for the four Group A teams ahead of the OFC Women's Nations Cup 2025, with match day one set to kick off at Lautoka's Churchill Park this Friday. This morning, the head coaches and captains of Cook Islands, defending champions Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tahiti came together at a pre-tournament media conference in Lautoka, sharing their thoughts on the competition and their opening matches. Papua New Guinea's head coach Ericsson Komeng, who recently led Hekari United Women to the final of the OFC Women's Champions League in Tahiti, returns to guide the national team as they defend the title they claimed in Fiji in 2022. 'It's going to be tough,' Komeng admitted. 'The two friendlies against Fiji [last month] gave us a lot to think about. The girls were a bit down after the second loss, but I have a quality side and I'm confident.' Captain Ramona Padio returns to bolster the side from the ankle injury she suffered in the OFC Women's Champions League semi-finals and missed the recent Fiji friendlies, bringing experience and leadership back to the squad. But first choice goalkeeper Faith Kasiray has been ruled out with a wrist injury suffered in training before the side departed for Fiji. Komeng is expecting a strong challenge in their opener against Samoa. 'They're a quality side, and that first match is very important for us,' he said. Samoa is led by head coach Juan Chang Urrea, who has been instrumental in shaping the country's women's football programme, coaching the U-16, U-19, and senior women's teams. Later this year, he will take Samoa's U-17 side to their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco. 'A lot of our girls represent Samoa from outside the country,' said Chang Urrea. 'This tournament will be a great learning experience. We know what the goal is, but we're focusing on taking things day by day.' Samoa brings a well-balanced team with a mix of youth and experience, with their clash Papua New Guinea clash an early litmus test for their campaign. Angela Wallbank will lead the Cook Islands, having coached Tupapa Maraerenga at the OFC Women's Champions League in May. Several players have been recruited from clubs in New Zealand, while one has joined from Perth. 'The biggest takeaway from the Champions League was seeing how other teams were structured,' Wallbank said. 'Now, with the ability to bring in players from New Zealand and Australia, we've added depth and balance across the park. That should help us counter some of the threats we identified in Tahiti.' Tahiti's squad, coached by Xavier Samin, includes six players from AS Pirae, who made their debut at the OFC Women's Champions League in May. The team's build-up has been challenging, with players juggling club commitments up until their departure for Fiji. 'With the team we have, we hope to go as far as possible,' said Samin. 'The Champions League in Tahiti gave us the chance to observe a lot of the players now in this tournament, so we have a good idea of the level of competition in the Pacific.' Group A action begins on Friday, with the Cook Islands taking on Tahiti in the tournament opener, followed by defending champions Papua New Guinea facing Samoa in the second match of the day. Full match schedule:
Morocco World
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Morocco to Face Brazil, Italy, and Costa Rica in U-17 Women's World Cup Debut
Rabat – Morocco now knows its path in the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. The national team was drawn into Group A alongside Brazil, Italy, and Costa Rica, following Wednesday's official ceremony at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maamora. This will be a historic edition of the tournament for Morocco and the competition itself. For the first time, 24 teams will take part, a major leap from the 16 that featured in previous years. The expansion adds new weight to Morocco's role as host and places the country at the heart of one of women's football´s most anticipated youth tournaments. Rabat will host the games between October 17 and November 8. But the spotlight on Morocco will extend well beyond a single edition. The country has committed to hosting the next four tournaments through 2029, a rare move that shows confidence from FIFA and a local push to build a future for women's football. The national U-17 team has already shown signs of readiness. In their most recent friendly match on June 3, the young squad overcame South Korea with a 4-2 win at the same Mohammed VI complex. As hosts, Morocco will open the tournament and carry the expectations of a growing fanbase. With giants like Brazil and Italy in their group, the road ahead will not be easy. But the team has something to prove, and a generation of players eager to leave a mark. Morocco is also set to co-host the men's FIFA World Cup in 2030 alongside Spain and Portugal, a huge and historic deal for the country.
