The draws for the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 and its qualifying tournament have been announced at the OFC Home of Football in Auckland. The Championship will take place in Samoa from September 1 to 14, 2026, while the qualifying tournament is scheduled for the Cook Islands from June 6 to 12, 2026.
Defending champions New Zealand will compete in Group B alongside Tahiti, Fiji, and Vanuatu. Hosts Samoa will face off in Group A against 2024 runners-up New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands, and the winner of the qualifying tournament.
The qualifying tournament will follow a single group format, where the Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga will compete against each other. The top team from this group will secure a place in Group A during the Championship in September.
This tournament will be the 25th edition of the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship, a competition that has its roots dating back to 1974 and was formerly held at the U-20 level until 2016. Excitement is building as this prestigious event prepares to shine a spotlight on emerging football talent in the region, promoting not only competitive spirit but also camaraderie among the participating nations. With youth football enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the matches, the Championship is set to contribute positively to the development of the sport in Oceania.