Solomon Islands National Team will resume their preparations for the Oceania FIFA World Cup Qualifiers starting next Monday, 16th September, at the SIFF Academy in Honiara.
Head coach Josh Smith, following the team’s participation in the Tri-Nations Series in Fiji, has named an extended squad of 41 players for an intensive training camp. The squad will assemble for a packed schedule in October and November, as the team eyes a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Smith, who took over the reins recently, has brought a high-performance approach and a long-term development strategy to the national team which includes creating more pathways for players into Australia & New Zealand.
“I’m excited to meet with the full squad on Monday, 16th September at the SIFF Academy,” said Smith, who is set to arrive in Honiara over the weekend.
“SIFF Technical Director Moses Toata has done an excellent job preparing the players during the interim period. Our immediate focus will be on refining the squad over the course of the week as we prepare for the challenges ahead.”
The training camp marks a crucial phase of the team’s preparations, as the Solomon Islands look to build momentum ahead of their opening World Cup Qualifier match against Fiji in 4 weeks time.
“We face a significant challenge in getting the players ready for the upcoming qualifiers in a short period of time, but we are dedicated to creating the best possible environment to ensure success,” Smith added.
“The Solomon Islands are fortunate to have access to some of the best high-performance facilities in the Pacific, thanks to the support of SINIS. We intend to make full use of all available resources, from nutrition and strength and conditioning to mindset and recovery.”
Smith is also committed to scouting further talent by attending the upcoming Telekom S League matches and spending more time with the U16 & U19 SIFF Academy.
“Henry Faraodo & Batrum Suri are doing a great job with the younger players in the Solomon’s, everyone has spoken very highly about the pair, my job is now to create those opportunities to bring through the next Micah Lea’alafa or Raphael Le’ai by creating legitimate opportunities for them”
For the first-time National U19 player, Gordon Iro, Gideon Abidan, and Jimson Abana are called up to the senior level. Overseas-based players are also recalled to join the team later this month.
Placed in Group A Solomon Islands will play Fiji, New Caledonia, and PNG in the qualifiers.
The winner of Group A will face the runner-up of Group B and the winner of Group B will face the runner-up of Group A in the semi-finals, on Friday, March 21, before the two winners meet in what shapes to be one of the biggest matches in OFC history on Monday, March 24, with the winner earning direct entry to the FIFA World Cup 26™.
The runner-up will earn a second chance to qualify for the FIFA World Cup™ via the FIFA Intercontinental Playoff – a six-nation tournament to determine the final two qualifying teams.
FIFA WORLD 2026 – OCEANIA QUALIFIERS
MATCH ONE| Solomon Islands vs Fiji
Date: 10th October 2024
Time: 6:00 pm (SBT)
Venue: HFC Bank Stadium, Suva
MATCH TWO| Solomon Islands vs New Caledonia
Date: 14th November 2024
Time: 1:00 pm (SBT)
Venue: PNG Football Stadium, Port Moresby
MATCH THREE| Papua New Guinea vs Solomon Islands
Date: 17th November 2024
Time: 4:00 pm (SBT)
Venue: PNG Football Stadium, Port Moresby
-SIFF Media
