The Papua New Guinea U16 Men’s National Football Team has departed Port Moresby today for Honiara, Solomon Islands, to compete in the OFC U16 Men’s Championship, the official qualifying tournament for the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026. Under the guidance of Head Coach Mathew Witu, the 23-man squad will proudly represent PNG on the regional stage. Their mission: to claim one of the two qualification spots available for next year’s World Cup, a feat that would mark a historic first for PNG’s men’s youth football. Coach Witu expressed his confidence in the team’s readiness and stated, “Our boys have put in the work and are ready to compete. This is an opportunity not just to represent the country, but to make history. We’ll give it everything we have.” PNG Football Association President John Kapi Natto, who officially farewelled the team on Friday, offered words of inspiration: “You can rewrite our history by creating your own history and qualify for the U17 Men’s World Cup in Qatar 2026.” In the lead-up to the tournament, the team has undergone a rigorous preparation program, including technical drills, tactical simulations, strength training, and team-building exercises. The PNGFA technical team and staff from PNG High-Performance Sport have worked closely with the players to ensure they are in peak condition for competition. The OFC U16 Men’s Championship begins this Friday at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara. PNG has been drawn into a competitive group alongside Melanesian rivals Fiji, as well as the Cook Islands and Tahiti. PNG U16 Fixtures – Group Stage Venue: Lawson Tama Stadium, Honiara Match 1: PNG vs Cook Islands | 17/08/25 | 12:00pm (11:00am PNG time) Match 2: PNG vs Tahiti | 20/08/25 | 12:00pm (11:00am PNG time) Match 3: PNG vs Fiji | 23/08/25 | 3:00pm (2:00pm PNG time)