PNG U-19 Men’s Team Departs for OFC U-19 Championship Qualifying Stage

The Papua New Guinea U-19 Men’s National Team departed for the Cook Islands on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, ahead of the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship Qualifying Stage, scheduled to take place from June 6-12. 

Led by captain Nalau Moses, the 23-man squad will carry the nation’s hopes as they seek to secure qualification for the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Samoa this September. 

Moses, one of Papua New Guinea’s exciting young talents, brings valuable experience to the squad, having featured in the PNGFA Premier Soccer League and represented Papua New Guinea at previous national team levels. He will lead a talented group of young players eager to make their mark on the regional stage.

A significant number of players in the current squad were part of the PNG U-16 team that competed at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in the Solomon Islands. That side narrowly missed qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup after falling 2-0 to New Zealand in the semi-finals, an experience that has helped shape and prepare the players for the challenges ahead.

Papua New Guinea will open its campaign against Tonga on June 6 before facing host nation Cook Islands on June 12. With only one qualification spot available, the team must finish at the top of the standings to progress to the championship tournament in Samoa.

The stakes are even higher this year, with the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship serving as a pathway to the FIFA U-20 World Cup. For the first time, Oceania has been allocated three qualification spots, creating a significant opportunity for emerging football nations across the region. 

Head Coach Mathew Witu said the team had prepared well and was eager to put its preparations into action.

“The players have worked hard throughout our preparations and are ready to compete. We know the task ahead will not be easy, but the team is focused on giving their best in every match and achieving the results needed to qualify,” Witu said. 

“The experience many of these players gained at the U-16 level has been invaluable. They understand what it takes to compete at this level and are motivated to take the next step in their football journey.”

Speaking during the team’s farewell dinner on Wednesday evening, PNGFA President John Kapi Natto challenged the players to embrace the opportunities ahead and believe in their potential to reach the world stage.

“This squad is a very special squad. You came through the Under-16 program and now you are in the Under-19 team. Next year, we have the Under-23 Olympic qualifiers and many of you could be part of that same squad,” Natto said.

“We are hosting the Under-23 qualifiers here in Papua New Guinea next year, so what does that tell you? The future is good for you. The opportunity is there for you. 

“This is something you have to work for. We have to dream big. You have to think about the future.” 

Natto said the expanded qualification pathway provided by FIFA presents a realistic opportunity for Papua New Guinea's young footballers to achieve something historic.

“With three World Cup qualification spots now available to Oceania, the dream of reaching a FIFA World Cup is no longer out of reach. It is an opportunity that this generation of players can strive towards, but it starts with the challenge ahead in the Cook Islands,” he said.

The Papua New Guinea Football Association wishes the team a safe journey and every success as they represent the nation in the Cook Islands. 

PNG U-19 Men’s Team Fixtures 

June 6 – Papua New Guinea vs Tonga 

June 12 – Papua New Guinea vs Cook Islands