The road to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ officially kicks off tomorrow in Samoa, as the Cook Islands Men’s National Football Team takes on Tonga in the opening match of the Oceania Qualifying tournament. Hosted in Apia, this tournament will decide which of the four competing nations – Cook Islands, Tonga, American Samoa, or Samoa – will advance to the next stage of qualifying in Fiji and Vanuatu next month.
Cook Islands Head Coach Tuka Tisam, leading the team for the first time, is confident in the squad’s preparation and their readiness for this important occasion.
“The boys are very excited for this upcoming match against Tonga. We’ve put in the work, and now it’s time for them to go out and perform on the field,” Tisam shared. “They feel the pressure, but that’s part of what makes this opportunity so special.”
Scheduled for 12:00pm Cook Islands local time, the match will determine which team moves forward to face either American Samoa or Samoa in Monday’s final. With World Cup hopes on the line, every game is critical, and the intensity is building as all four teams aim to secure their place in the next round.
Cook Islands is focused on this opportunity to bring the dream of representing Oceania on the world stage closer to reality. The players are ready, and the support from the Cook Islands community is strong as they embark on this exciting journey.
