It will be a battle of David and Goliath proportions when the Fiji Bula Boys take on the New Zealand All Whites in the semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers this evening, and Coach Rob Sherman is confident in his players, believing they can win.
He says it is about executing their game plan and believing in themselves.
Sherman says the players are genuinely excited, they adapting a sort of stance of belief, so they know it is a challenge without any shadow of a doubt but it's a great opportunity for them, and they're looking forward to the game.
Captain Filipe Baravilala says the weather would be the major challenge for them, as he and the players have witnessed over the week they have been in Wellington.
He, however says they will focus on the job at hand and give it their best shot, acknowledging the All Whites have the upper hand as professional players.
Baravilala says they are amateurs compared to the All Whites, but they are there because of the sacrifices they have made—leaving their families behind, joining the camp, and committing themselves.
It remains to be seen if the Bula Boys will triumph like David when they face the All Whites at 6 this evening.
New Caledonia is through to the final after beating Tahiti 2-0 in the first semi final.
The winner of the final will earn direct qualification for the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup in North America (Canada, Mexico, and the United States).
The runner-up will advance to the intercontinental playoffs, where they will compete for one of the final spots in the tournament.
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