Tonga national football team

Last updated

Tonga
Flag of Tonga.svg
Nickname(s) Tu’Ulalupe
Association Tonga Football Association
Confederation OFC (Oceania)
Head coach Kilifi Uele
Captain Hemaloto Polovili
Most caps Kilifi Uele (26)
Top scorerUnaloto Feao (7)
Home stadium Teufaiva Sport Stadium
Tonga Football Association Stadium
FIFA code TGA
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First colours
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Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 199 Steady2.svg (19 December 2024) [1]
Highest163 (October 1998–December 1998)
Lowest211 (April 2018, July 2019)
First international
Flag of France.svg  Tahiti 8–0 Tonga  Flag of Tonga.svg
(Suva, Fiji; 29 August 1979)
Biggest win
Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga 7–0 Micronesia  Flag of the Federated States of Micronesia.svg
(Nausori, Fiji; 5 July 2003)
Biggest defeat
Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga 0–22 Australia  Flag of Australia (converted).svg
(Coffs Harbour, Australia; 9 April 2001)

The Tonga men's national football team (Tongan : timi soka fakafonua ʻa Tonga) represents Tonga in men's international football and is controlled by the Tonga Football Association, which is a part of the Oceania Football Confederation.

Contents

History

Information

Football in Tonga

Tonga's greatest football triumph to date was their triumph in the first ever Polynesian Cup held in 1993 over Samoa and the Cook Islands. Although local players have not yet made their mark on big leagues abroad, the Chief Executive of the Tonga Football Association, Joe Topou, was appointed to the FIFA Executive Committee in 2002.

In July 2023, Tonga became unranked within the FIFA rankings due to not having played any matches since they lost 8-0 to Papua New Guinea on 18 July 2019.

The second Goal project

Tonga's second Goal project will develop and improve the national football academy and the association's headquarters in Atele, Tongatapu, which was built in the country's first Goal project. This development work has the aim that all of the Tonga Football Association's needs are fully satisfied. Local matches will be held at the football academy, while the administration's requirements, including the needs of players, officials and spectators, will also be covered. The football school will be transformed into a House of Football.[ clarification needed ]

Team image

Kit sponsorship

Kit supplier [2] Period
Flag of Italy.svg Lotto 2007–2013
2013–2017
Flag of Italy.svg Lotto 2018–

Fixtures and results

2023

27 November 2023 2023 Pacific Games Tonga  Flag of Tonga.svg0–4Flag of Tuvalu.svg  Tuvalu Honiara, Solomon Islands
13:00Stadium: SIFF Academy Field
30 November 2023 2023 Pacific Games American Samoa  Flag of American Samoa.svg2–6Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga Honiara, Solomon Islands
10:00Stadium: SIFF Academy Field

2024

20 March 2024 OFC Nations Cup qualification Tonga  Flag of Tonga.svg1–4Flag of Samoa.svg  Samoa Nuku'alofa, Tonga
14:00 Kite Soccerball shade.svg90+5' Report
Stadium: Teufaiva Stadium
Attendance: 300
Referee: Luke Gardner (New Zealand)
28 August Friendly Nadi F.C. Flag of Fiji.svg vFlag of Tonga.svg  Tonga Nadi, Fiji
19:00  UTC+12 Stadium: Prince Charles Park
6 September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Cook Islands  Flag of the Cook Islands.svg1–3Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga Apia, Samoa
11:00  UTC+13
[3] [4]
Stadium: FFS Football Stadium
Attendance: 300
Referee: Calvin Berg (New Zealand)
9 September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Tonga  Flag of Tonga.svg1–2 (a.e.t.)Flag of Samoa.svg  Samoa Apia, Samoa
15:00  UTC+13
[5] [6]
Stadium: National Soccer Stadium
Attendance: 500
Referee: Mederic Lacour (New Caledonia)

Coaching history

Players

Current squad

The following players were called up for the 2026 World Cup qualification matches in September 2024. [7]

Caps and goals updated as of 9 September 2024, after the game against Samoa.

No.Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClub
1 GK Semisi ‘Otukolo (1999-06-23) 23 June 1999 (age 25)120 Flag of Tonga.svg Veitongo
1 GK Unaloto Pahulu (2006-10-18) 18 October 2006 (age 18)00 Flag of Tonga.svg Folaha

2 DF Kulisitofa Kite (2003-01-17) 17 January 2003 (age 22)71 Flag of Tonga.svg Veitongo
2 DF Petelo Naniseni (2003-12-20) 20 December 2003 (age 21)70 Flag of Tonga.svg Navutoka
2 DF David-John Tuamoheloa (2004-06-30) 30 June 2004 (age 20)60 Flag of New Zealand.svg Manukau United
2 DF Petelo Manu (2005-12-19) 19 December 2005 (age 19)20 Flag of Tonga.svg Marist
2 DF Viliami Tikoipau (2001-01-07) 7 January 2001 (age 24)21 Flag of New Zealand.svg Manukau United
2 DF Utu'one Lea'aetoa (2005-02-16) 16 February 2005 (age 20)10 Flag of Tonga.svg Veitongo

3 MF Fineasi Palei (1989-05-20) 20 May 1989 (age 35)120 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Launceston City
3 MF Christopher Kefu (2003-02-11) 11 February 2003 (age 22)61 Flag of Tonga.svg Veitongo
3 MF Ulafala Sonasi (2007-07-28) 28 July 2007 (age 17)41 Flag of Tonga.svg Marist
3 MF Topuluka Tuamoheloa 30 Flag of New Zealand.svg Lower Hutt City
3 MF Va'inga Teu (2006-02-12) 12 February 2006 (age 19)20 Flag of Tonga.svg Fahefa
3 MF Tomasi Armitage (2005-05-26) 26 May 2005 (age 19)10 Flag of New Zealand.svg Waikato Unicol
3 MF Hakeai Fonua (2008-09-01) 1 September 2008 (age 16)00 Flag of Tonga.svg Ahau
3 MF Herick Funaki (2003-08-07) 7 August 2003 (age 21)00 Flag of Tonga.svg Longolongo
3 MF Maikeli Lomu (1997-10-29) 29 October 1997 (age 27)00 Flag of Tonga.svg Veitongo

4 FW Hemaloto Polovili (1997-07-27) 27 July 1997 (age 27)174 Flag of Tonga.svg Veitongo
4 FW Lisiate Feke (2004-03-25) 25 March 2004 (age 20)80 Flag of Tonga.svg Veitongo
4 FW Amoni Fifita (2004-06-26) 26 June 2004 (age 20)83 Flag of Tonga.svg Makave
4 FW Vilikisepi Tai (2006-02-24) 24 February 2006 (age 18)40 Flag of Tonga.svg Fahefa
4 FW Viliami Tukia (2001-01-07) 7 January 2001 (age 24)20 Flag of Fiji.svg Lami
4 FW Ata Inia (2000-04-25) 25 April 2000 (age 24)00 Flag of Thailand.svg Chanthaburi

Recent call-ups

The following players have been called up within the last 12 months.

Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClubLatest call-up
GK Nimilote Moala (2003-07-18) 18 July 2003 (age 21)10 Flag of Tonga.svg Veitongo v. Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands ; 26 March 2024
GK Justin Toetu’u 10 Flag of Tonga.svg Longolongo 2023 Pacific Games

DF Atieli 'Aho (2007-01-23) 23 January 2007 (age 18)20 Flag of Tonga.svg Nukuhetulu v. Flag of Samoa.svg  Samoa ; 9 September 2024 PRE
DF Laulea Taufa (1999-07-14) 14 July 1999 (age 25)110 Flag of Tonga.svg Veitongo v. Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands ; 26 March 2024
DF Sione Talia'uli (2006-05-29) 29 May 2006 (age 18)20 Flag of Tonga.svg Fasi-Moe-Afi v. Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands ; 26 March 2024
DF Sione Tu’ifangaloka (1999-04-24) 24 April 1999 (age 25)60 Flag of Tonga.svg Veitongo 2023 Pacific Games
DF Nicolas Vea (2003-10-31) 31 October 2003 (age 21)40 Flag of Tonga.svg Navutoka 2023 Pacific Games
DF Fakaofo Tonga (2004-10-29) 29 October 2004 (age 20)30 Flag of Tonga.svg Navutoka 2023 Pacific Games
DF Ta’u Tupou 10 Flag of Tonga.svg Vava'u 2023 Pacific Games

MF Kamaliele Papani (1984-04-08) 8 April 1984 (age 40)140 Flag of Tonga.svg Veitongo v. Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands ; 26 March 2024
MF Vai Lutu (1999-09-30) 30 September 1999 (age 25)110 Flag of Tonga.svg Veitongo v. Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands ; 26 March 2024
MF Tuia Falepapalangi (2000-07-15) 15 July 2000 (age 24)60 Flag of Tonga.svg Veitongo v. Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands ; 26 March 2024
MF Mohammed Rajani (1999-04-19) 19 April 1999 (age 25)61 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Rockdale Ilinden v. Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands ; 26 March 2024
MF Tau’aika Sonasi 50 Flag of Tonga.svg Marist v. Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands ; 26 March 2024
MF Petueli Tokotaha (2000-09-10) 10 September 2000 (age 24)62 Flag of Tonga.svg Navutoka 2023 Pacific Games
MF Petueli Tokotaha (2004-03-25) 25 March 2004 (age 20)30 Flag of Tonga.svg Longolongo 2023 Pacific Games
MF Taniela Vaka’uta 20 Flag of Tonga.svg Folaha 2023 Pacific Games

DF Lafaela Moala (1982-07-22) 22 July 1982 (age 42)00Unattachedv. Flag of Samoa.svg  Samoa ; 9 September 2024 PRE
FW Elias Kendler 41 Flag of Tonga.svg Haʻamoko United Youth v. Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands ; 26 March 2024
FW Feki Tufi (2000-04-11) 11 April 2000 (age 24)20 Flag of Tonga.svg Veitongo v. Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands ; 26 March 2024
FW William Foliaki 00Unknownv. Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands ; 26 March 2024
FW Nuku ‘Esau 30 Flag of Tonga.svg Navutoka 2023 Pacific Games

Player records

As of 9 September 2024 [8]
Players in bold are still active with Tonga.

Most appearances

RankNameCapsGoalsCareer
1 Kilifi Uele 2631996–2017
2 Unaloto Fea'o 1772001–2017
Hemaloto Polovili 1742015–present
4 Lafaele Moala 1612003–2015
5 Folio Moeaki 1502004–2015
Sione Uhatahi 1512007–2019
7 Siu'a Ma'amaloa 1412001–2004
Kamaliele Papani 1402003–present
9 Semisi 'Otukolo 1202017–present
Fineasi Palei 1202011–present

Top goalscorers

RankNameGoalsCapsRatioCareer
1 Unaloto Fea'o 7170.412001–2017
2 Lokoua Taufahema 570.712001–2011
3 Hemaloto Polovili 4170.242015–present
4 Amone Suli 3132002
Amoni Fifita 380.382023–present
Mark Uhatahi 3110.272003–2015
Kilifi Uele 3260.121996–2017
8 Ma'ake Uhatahi 2212009
Petueli Tokotaha 260.332017–present
Pio Palu 270.292007–2011
Timote Moleni 280.251996–2001
Filisione Taufahema 280.252001–2002

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup Qualification
YearHostResultPositionPldWD*LFAPldWDLFA
1930 to 1990 Not member of FIFANot member of FIFA
1994 Flag of the United States.svg  United States Did not enterDid not enter
1998 Flag of France (lighter variant).svg  France Did not qualify4202313
2002 Flag of South Korea (1997-2011).svg  South Korea
Flag of Japan.svg  Japan
4202730
2006 Flag of Germany.svg  Germany 4103217
2010 Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 4103610
2014 Flag of Brazil.svg  Brazil 311144
2018 Flag of Russia.svg  Russia 300318
2022 Flag of Qatar.svg  Qatar WithdrewWithdrew
2026 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada
Flag of Mexico.svg  Mexico
Flag of the United States.svg  United States
Did not qualify210143
2030 Flag of Morocco.svg  Morocco
Flag of Portugal.svg  Portugal
Flag of Spain.svg  Spain
To be determinedTo be determined
2034 Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg  Saudi Arabia
Total0/82481152785

OFC Nations Cup

Oceania Cup / OFC Nations Cup recordQualification record
YearResultPositionPldWD*LGFGAPldWDLGFGA
Flag of New Zealand.svg 1973 Did not enterDid not enter
Flag of France.svg 1980
Flag placeholder.svg 1996 Did not qualify311144
Flag of Australia (converted).svg 1998 411259
Flag of French Polynesia.svg 2000 4103415
Flag of New Zealand.svg 2002 4103718
Flag of Australia (converted).svg 2004 4103217
Flag placeholder.svg 2008 4103610
Flag of the Solomon Islands.svg 2012 311144
Flag of Papua New Guinea.svg 2016 300318
Flag of Fiji.svg Flag of Vanuatu.svg 2024 200215
Total0/113173213490

Pacific Games

Head-to-head record

Up to matches played on 6 September 2024.

TeamPldWDLGFGAGDWPCT
Flag of American Samoa.svg  American Samoa 108023412+2280.00
Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia 1001022220.00
Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands 114251516136.36
Flag of the Federated States of Micronesia.svg  Micronesia 110070+7100.00
Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 3003117160.00
New Caledonia flags merged (2017).svg  New Caledonia 6006243410.00
Flag of Papua New Guinea.svg  Papua New Guinea 4013220180.00
Flag of Samoa.svg  Samoa [a] 1323811271615.38
Flag of the Solomon Islands.svg  Solomon Islands 5005031310.00
Flag of French Polynesia.svg  Tahiti 6006128270.00
Flag of Tuvalu.svg  Tuvalu 300361370.00
Flag of Vanuatu.svg  Vanuatu [b] 5005233310.00
Flag of Wallis and Futuna.svg  Wallis and Futuna 210113250.00
Total 70166488226518322.86
Source: Results
Notes:
  1. Includes results as Western Samoa.
  2. Includes results as New Hebrides.

Honours

Regional

Historical kits

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2001 Home
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2001 Away
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2009 Home
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2009 Away
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2011 Home
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2011 Away
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2015 Home
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2015 Away
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2017 Home
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2017 Away
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2019 Home
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2019 Away
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2023 Home
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2023 Away

Sources: [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21]

See also

References

  1. "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 19 December 2024. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
  2. "Antigo(a) Tonga camisas de futebol". Archived from the original on 29 October 2021. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  3. "Cook Islands vs Tonga". Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  4. "Cook Islands vs Tonga". Oceania Football Confederation. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  5. "Tonga vs Samoa". Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  6. "Tonga vs Samoa". Oceania Football Confederation. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  7. "Tuʻulalupe Squad". Facebook. Tonga Football.
  8. "Tonga". National Football Teams.
  9. "2001".
  10. "2001".
  11. "2009".
  12. "2009".
  13. "2011".
  14. "2011".
  15. "2015".
  16. "2015".
  17. "2017".
  18. "2017".
  19. "2019".
  20. "2019".
  21. "2023". YouTube . 18 November 2023.