PNG Bilums Return to Camp Ahead of Final Stage of World Cup Qualifiers

The Papua New Guinea Women’s National Team, the PNG Bilums, have returned to camp following a week-long break after their successful Round 2 campaign in Fiji. 

Players and team officials reconvened in Port Moresby on Wednesday (March 18), with training officially resuming yesterday (March 19) at the PNG Football Stadium as preparations intensify for the finals round of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Oceania Qualifiers in New Zealand next month. 

The team will remain in camp in Port Moresby as they fine-tune their preparations ahead of departure on April 8. The Bilums are set to face American Samoa in the semifinal on April 12 at FMG Stadium in Waikato, with a place in the final on April 15 at North Harbor Stadium at stake. 

Victory in the semifinal will see PNG progress to the final, where they will meet the winner of Fiji and New Zealand in a decisive clash for qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027. The winner of the Oceania qualifiers will secure direct entry to the global showpiece, while the runner-up will advance to the intercontinental playoff for another opportunity to reach the World Cup. 

Following a strong showing in Round 2, the Bilums return to camp with confidence and renewed focus as they continue their pursuit of a historic World Cup qualification. 

The Papua New Guinea Football Association calls on all Papua New Guineans to continue supporting the PNG Bilums as they prepare to carry the nation’s hopes into the final stage of the qualifiers.  

Photo: Supplied