2025 OFC U-19 Women's Championship

Last updated
2025 OFC U-19 Women's Championship
Tournament details
Host country Flag of French Polynesia.svg Tahiti
CityPapeete
Dates21 September – 4 October 2025
Teams7 (from 1 confederation)
Venue1 (in 1 host city)
Final positions
ChampionsFlag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand (9th title)
Runners-upNew Caledonia flags merged (2017).svg  New Caledonia
Third placeFlag of Fiji.svg  Fiji
Fourth placeFlag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands
Tournament statistics
Matches played14
Goals scored50 (3.57 per match)
Top scorer(s) Flag of New Zealand.svg Emily Lyon
(11 goals)
Best player Flag of New Zealand.svg Zoe Benson
Best goalkeeper New Caledonia flags merged (2017).svg Elizabeth Aben
← 2023
2027 →

The 2025 OFC U-19 Women's Championship was the 11th edition of the OFC U-19/U-20 Women's Championship, the biennial international youth football championship organised by the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) for the women's under-19/under-20 national teams of Oceania. The tournament is being held in Tahiti from 21 September to 4 October 2025. [1]

Contents

The two finalists qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Poland as the OFC representatives.

New Zealand were the defending champions from 2023, [2] and retained their title. [3]

Teams

Tonga won the qualifying tournament on home soil in March, beating American Samoa and Solomon Islands, to qualify for the finals tournament. All but one of the other 8 FIFA-affiliated national teams from OFC entered the tournament (Papua New Guinea choosing not to enter). [4]

Samoa pulled out of the tournament due to the financial reasons announcing their decision on 11 September 2025. [5]

TeamAppearancePrevious best performanceNickname
Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands 5thRunners-up (2010)Young Cooks
Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 6thRunners-up (2017, 2023)Young Kulas
New Caledonia flags merged (2017).svg  New Caledonia 7thRunners-up (2019)Cagou Girls
Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand 10thChampions (2006, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2023)Junior Football Ferns
Flag of French Polynesia.svg  Tahiti (hosts)3ndThird place (2019)Hine Taure’a
Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga 9thRunners-up (2006)Junior Mataliki
Flag of Vanuatu.svg  Vanuatu 6thThird place (2015)

Squads

Venues

The main stadium at Tahiti – Stade Pater – is preparing for the 2027 Pacific Games. The first stadiums for the tournament is Stade de Punaruu. There was a controversy in 2016, when the stadium was renovated for 76 millions cfp, but the athletics track did not meet IAAF criteria. [6] The second stadium is Stade Paea (also called Stade Manu Ura). It has a capacity of about 2,500 spectators, with a natural grass surface. Its main tenant is AS Manu Ura.

Media coverage

All games were streamed via FIFA+ platform as Fifa+ holds rights for all OFC competitions in the period 2024-2025. [7] The great commentary was provided from Asinate Wainiqolo. They taught the audience pronunciation of native players names for example.

Group stage

The top two of each group advance to the semifinals.

All times are local, TAHT (GMT+12).

Group A

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsQualification
1Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 220042+26 Knockout stage
2Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands 21012203
3Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga 200213−20 Fifth place match
4Flag of Samoa.svg  Samoa (W)00000000Withdrew
Source: OFC
(W) Withdrew

Metuamaru Arere curled home a stunning free kick from 25 metres to give her side hard-fought 1–0 victory over Tonga [8]

Cook Islands  Flag of the Cook Islands.svg1–0Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga
  • Arere Soccerball shade.svg19'
 Report
Stade de Punaruu , Papeete
Attendance: 100
Referee: Anna-Marie Keighley (New Zealand)

Goalkeeping error, ultimately sealed the points for Fiji in the game against Cook Islands and moved Young Kulas closer to semis. [9]

Fiji  Flag of Fiji.svg2–1Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands
Report
Stade de Punaruu , Papeete
Attendance: 200
Referee: Beth Rattray (New Zealand)

Fiji booked their spot in the semi-finals, but their performance also justifies their aim to book U-20 World Cup spot. Despite Tonga’s relentless pressure in the final stages, the Young Kulas held firm [10]

Tonga  Flag of Tonga.svg1–2Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji
Report
Stade Paea , Papeete
Attendance: 80
Referee: Kyllian Lelarge (New Caledonia)

Group B

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsQualification
1Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand 3300220+229 Knockout stage
2New Caledonia flags merged (2017).svg  New Caledonia 311125−34
3Flag of French Polynesia.svg  Tahiti (H)311138−54 Fifth place match
4Flag of Vanuatu.svg  Vanuatu 3003014−140
Source: OFC
(H) Hosts

A brilliant individual effort from captain Julia Honakoko six minutes from full-time has given New Caledonia a crucial 1–0 win over Vanuatu.The talismanic striker hit a curling right-footed effort past a despairing Jineth Vanva in the Vanuatu goal when the match had seemed destined to end in a stalemate. [11] Defending champions New Zealand have started their campaign in style, cruising to a 7–0 victory over hosts Tahiti. [11]

New Caledonia  New Caledonia flags merged (2017).svg1–0Flag of Vanuatu.svg  Vanuatu
Report
Stade Paea , Papeete
Attendance: 50
Referee: Torika Delai (Fiji)
New Zealand  Flag of New Zealand.svg7–0Flag of French Polynesia.svg  Tahiti
Report
Stade Paea , Papeete
Attendance: 100
Referee: Azusa Sugino (Japan)

The host Tahiti beat Vanautu 2-0. Vanuatu coach Ranua saw improvement in other areas than converting changes. [12] New Zealand then reached last four beating New Caledonia 4-0. [13] Tuvalu at September 2025 futsal nations cup lost all games, but their game was skilled and promising, Vanuatu young women team sometimes lacks totally basic skills like a shot. IIHF Women's World Championship in ice-hockey has tournament model suitable for Oceania. 5 top quality teams play upper round-robin group. 5 middle quality teams play lower group. 8 teams then compete in play-off, so teams from lower group can win tournament, but that never happened due to different quality of teams.

New Zealand  Flag of New Zealand.svg4–0New Caledonia flags merged (2017).svg  New Caledonia
Report
Stade Paea , Papeete
Attendance: 100
Referee: Shu Ting Yang (China)
Vanuatu  Flag of Vanuatu.svg0–2Flag of French Polynesia.svg  Tahiti
Report
Stade Paea , Papeete
Attendance: 200
Referee: Yantana Atoa (Tonga)

Vanuatu ended their campaign on a sour note with a crushing 11-0 defeat at the hands of regional giants New Zealand. [14] Relief came for host Tahiti in the 88th minute: Haranui Le Gayic won a penalty and coolly converted it, but the semi-final hopes of the entire stadium were not fulfilled in a thrilling end [15]

Vanuatu  Flag of Vanuatu.svg0–11Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand
Report
Stade Paea , Papeete
Attendance: 80
Referee: Shama Maemae (Solomon Islands)
Tahiti  Flag of French Polynesia.svg1–1New Caledonia flags merged (2017).svg  New Caledonia
Report
Stade Paea , Papeete
Attendance: 400
Referee: Jovita Ambrose (Solomon Islands)

Knockout stage

Bracket

 
 Semi-finals Final
 
      
 
1 October – Papeete (Paea)
 
 
Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 0
 
4 October – Papeete (Paea)
 
New Caledonia flags merged (2017).svg  New Caledonia 2
 
New Caledonia flags merged (2017).svg  New Caledonia 0
 
1 October – Papeete (Paea)
 
Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand 3
 
Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand 8
 
 
Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands 0
 
 Third place match
 
 
4 October – Papeete (Paea)
 
 
Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji (p)0 (3)
 
 
Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands 0 (2)

Semi-finals

Winners qualify for 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.

New Zealand has impressive route throughout the tournament, but media are silent except of official OFC channels. [16] Fiji defeat to New Caledonia was found surprising and against the run of play as Fiji dominated most of the time. [17]

Fiji  Flag of Fiji.svg0–2New Caledonia flags merged (2017).svg  New Caledonia
Naweni Yellow card.svg 42' Yellow-red card.svg 90' Report
Stade Paea , Papeete
Attendance: 100
Referee: Anna-Marie Keighley (New Zealand)
New Zealand  Flag of New Zealand.svg8–0Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands
Report
Stade Paea , Papeete
Attendance: 150
Referee: Azusa Sugino (Japan)

New Zealand tournament victory was labelled as logical in French speaking media [18] Holding their nerve was crucial for Fiji’s youngsters to clinch the victory and confirm their podium finish according to Fiji voices [19]

Fifth place match

Tonga  Flag of Tonga.svg2–1Flag of French Polynesia.svg  Tahiti
Report
Stade de Punaruu , Papeete
Attendance: 75
Referee: Shu Ting Yang (China)

Third place match

Fiji  Flag of Fiji.svg0–0Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands
Report
Penalties
3–2
Stade Paea , Papeete
Attendance: 200
Referee: Jovita Ambrose (Solomon Islands)

Final

New Caledonia  New Caledonia flags merged (2017).svg0–3Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand
Report
Stade Paea , Papeete
Referee: Torika Delai (Fiji)

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Kit socks long.svg
New Caledonia
Kit left arm nzl24a.png
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Kit body nzl24a.png
Kit body.svg
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New Zealand
GK16 Muneiko Aline Waheo
LB2 Louane Pocoue-Kasouemi Sub off.svg 34'
CB5 Kenza Kenon (c)
CB21 Ashley Geihaze Sub off.svg 45'
CB6 Shirley Wenessia
RB17 Alesie Adjou Sub off.svg 45'
LM11 Caénah Bati Yellow card.svg 51'Sub off.svg 52'
CM19' Cécilia Waheo
CM8 Kheiméra Gondou
RM18 Valerie Ngazo
CF13 Joyce Angexetine Sub off.svg 34'
Substitutions:
GK1 Elizabeth Aben
FW3' Deyanera Michel
DF4' Lleana Hmae Sub on.svg 45'
DF7 Aziliz Naaoutchoue
FW9 Julia Honakoko Sub on.svg 34'
FW10 Cina Kourevi Sub on.svg 34'
FW14 Ajassië Taine Sub on.svg 52'
DF15 Dahlia Houmbouy
DF20 Kelia Golitin Sub on.svg 45'
Manager:
Léon Waitronyie
NCL NZL (women) 2025-10-04.png
GK1 Brooke Neary
CB2 Charli Dunn Yellow card.svg 90'
CB5 Alyssha Eglinton
CB3 Mackenzie Greene
LM4 Penny Brill
CM6 Daisy Brazendale (c)Yellow card.svg 43'Sub off.svg 46'
CM10 Zoe Benson Sub off.svg 46'
CM8 Lottie Mortlock Sub off.svg 61'
RM7 Grace Bartlett Sub off.svg 61'
CF11 Emily Lyon
CF16 Daisy Brazendale Sub off.svg 46'
Substitutions:
FW9 Isla Cleall-Harding Sub on.svg 46'
FW12 Amber De Wit Sub on.svg 46'
MF13 Mary Brown Sub on.svg 61'
DF14 Kenzie Longmuir Sub on.svg 46'
MF15 Ela Jerez
DF17 Poppy O'Brien Sub on.svg 61'
GK18 Sophie Campbell
Manager:
Callum Holmes

Player of the Match:
Mackenzie Greene (New Zealand)

Assistant referees:
Maria Salamasina (Samoa)
Stephanie Minan(Papua)
Fourth official:
Azusa Sugino (Japan)
Fiftth official:
Feliuaki Kolotau (Tonga)

Awards

The following awards were given at the conclusion of the tournament.

AwardPlayer
Golden Ball Flag of New Zealand.svg Zoe Benson
Golden Boot Flag of New Zealand.svg Emily Lyon
Golden Gloves New Caledonia flags merged (2017).svg Elizabeth Aben
Fair Play AwardFlag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands


Qualified teams for FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2026

The following teams from OFC qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Poland.

TeamsQualified onPrevious appearances in FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup
New Caledonia flags merged (2017).svg  New Caledonia 1 October 20250 (debut)
Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand 1 October 20259 (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2022, 2024)


    Goalscorers

    There were 50 goals scored in 14 matches, for an average of 3.57 goals per match.

    11 goals

    6 goals

    3 goals

    2 goals

    1 goal

    Media All Stars (by Wikipedia)

    Media accredited at the tournament did not organize all star team voting. In the spirit of best tradition of journalism, Wiki has named All Star Team. Taking into account a different quality of participating teams we have decided to name All Star Team A and B. The formation 4-3-3 was chosen to support offensive players.


    PositionAll Star APositionAll Star B
    GK Flag of New Zealand.svg Brooke Neary GK Flag of Tonga.svg Keira Wolfgramm
    LB Flag of New Zealand.svg Poppy O'Brien LB Flag of Fiji.svg Rachel Matawaqa
    CB Flag of New Zealand.svg Alyssha Eglinton CB Flag of New Zealand.svg Elina Aruvuha
    CB Flag of New Zealand.svg Mackenzie Greene CB Flag of Fiji.svg Caroline Qalivere
    RB Flag of New Zealand.svg Lottie Mortlock RB Flag of Fiji.svg Sereana Naweni
    CM Flag of New Zealand.svg Lily Brazendale LM New Caledonia flags merged (2017).svg Cina Kourevi
    CM Flag of New Zealand.svg Zoe Benson CM New Caledonia flags merged (2017).svg Julia Honakoko
    CM Flag of New Zealand.svg Amber De Wit RM Flag of French Polynesia.svg Haranui Le Gayic
    LF Flag of New Zealand.svg Isla Cleall-Harding LF Flag of Tonga.svg Tama’a Faletau
    CF Flag of New Zealand.svg Emily Lyon CF Flag of the Cook Islands.svg Metuamaru Arere
    RF Flag of New Zealand.svg Lily Brazendale RF Flag of Fiji.svg Elesi Tabunase

    Match officials

    Main referees

    Assistants

    References

    1. ↑ "U-19 Women's Championship". Oceania Football. 13 January 2025.
    2. ↑ "New Zealand off to a flying start at OFC U-19 Women's Championship 2025". OFC. 23 September 2025. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
    3. ↑ "First half goals seal OFC U-19 Women's Championship 2025 title for New Zealand". OFC. 5 October 2025. Retrieved 5 October 2025.
    4. ↑ "Official Draw | OFC U-19 Women's Championship 2025". OFC You Tube. 20 January 2025. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
    5. ↑ "Samoa pull out of OFC U-19 Women's Championship, citing financial issues". Friends of Football NZ. Retrieved 11 September 2025.
    6. ↑ Marquand, Christophe (2016-08-28). "Nouveau revêtement pour la piste d'athlétisme de la Punaruu". France Info (in French). Retrieved 2025-09-25.
    7. ↑ "FIFA+ becomes the official global home of OFC competitions". 28 February 2024.
    8. ↑ "Cook Islands get away to winning start at OFC U-19 Women's Championship". Friends of Football NZ. 22 September 2025.
    9. ↑ Kumar, Rashika (2025-09-25). "Young Kulas edge Cook Islands 2-1 in OFC U-19 opener, move closer to semis". Fiji Village. Retrieved 2025-09-25.
    10. ↑ Nand, Priya (2025-09-28). "Fiji edge Tonga 2-1 to reach OFC U-19 Women's Championship semi-finals". Fji Village. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
    11. 1 2 "New Caledonia stun Vanuatu with late strike". Friends of Football NL. 2025-09-23. Retrieved 2025-09-23.
    12. ↑ Molivakoro, Vourie (2025-09-26). "Vanuatu U19 girls suffer second loss at OFC championship". Vanuatu Daily Post. Retrieved 2025-09-26.
    13. ↑ "New Zealand reach last four at OFC U-19 Women's Championship in Tahiti". Friends of Football NL. 2025-09-23. Retrieved 2025-09-26.
    14. ↑ Molivakoro, Vourie (2025-09-29). "Vanuatu U19s end OFC campaign with heavy defeat". Vanuatu Daily Post. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
    15. ↑ "Le Gayic arrache l'égalisation mais Tahiti s'arrête aux portes des demi-finales". Fédération Tahitienne de Football (in French). 2025-09-28. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
    16. ↑ "They're through! New Zealand qualify for 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup". Friends of Football NL. 2025-10-02. Retrieved 2025-10-02.
    17. ↑ Basiyalo, Taina (2025-10-02). "New Caledonia defeat Fiji and make history". FBC News Fiji. Retrieved 2025-10-02.
    18. ↑ "Les Football Ferns U19 s'imposent en finale". Tahiti Infos (in French). 2025-10-05. Retrieved 2025-10-06.
    19. ↑ Stark, Mataiasi (2025-10-05). "Young Kulas win bronze". FBC News Fiji. Retrieved 2025-10-05.

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