Vanuatu national football team

Summary

The Vanuatu men's national football team (French: équipe du Vanuatu de football) represents Vanuatu in international football, and is controlled by the Vanuatu Football Federation.[5][6]

Vanuatu
Shirt badge/Association crest
AssociationVanuatu Football Federation
ConfederationOFC (Oceania)
Head coachEmerson Alcântara
CaptainKensi Tangis
Most capsRichard Iwai (34)
Top scorerRichard Iwai (20)[1]
Home stadiumPort Vila Municipal Stadium
FIFA codeVAN
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 170 Steady (15 February 2024)[2]
Highest131 (October 2007)
Lowest201 (October–November 2015)
First international
 New Zealand 9–0 New Hebrides 
(Nouméa, New Caledonia; 4 October 1951)[3]
Biggest win
 Kiribati 0–18 Vanuatu 
(Lautoka, Fiji; 7 July 2003)
Biggest defeat
 New Zealand 9–0 New Hebrides 
(Nouméa, New Caledonia; 4 October 1951)
OFC Nations Cup
Appearances9 (first in 1973)
Best resultFourth place, 1973, 2000, 2002 and 2008

History edit

Early years (1951–2022) edit

It was known as the New Hebrides until the New Hebrides became Republic of Vanuatu in 1980. It finished fourth in the OFC Nations Cup in 1973, 2000, and 2002. In the 2004 Oceania Nations Cup, Vanuatu beat New Zealand 4–2, preventing the regional powerhouse from making the final and, consequently, the running for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Vanuatu caused another shock in the 2007 South Pacific Games by knocking out the Solomon Islands for bronze medal and also enable to enter the second stage of qualification for the OFC Nations Cup and consequently a chance with a playoff for the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa. The last time they had won against Solomon Islands was back in 1998 and had since been on the receiving side of many losses save for one draw against them. In July 2008, Vanuatu faced two national teams from the Solomon Islands during the inaugural edition of the Wantok Cup. Vanuatu lost 1–2 to the Solomons' team A, but defeated their team B by two goals to one.

Recognition of the team efforts (2023–present) edit

In 2023, Vanuatu was invited for the 2023 Intercontinental Cup tournament held in India which is the team first tournament outside Oceania. In the first match on 9 June 2023, they would face Lebanon but suffered a 3–1 defeat. In the next match, Vanuatu conceded a late goal losing to host India on a narrow 1–0 lost. On 15 June 2023, Vanuatu found themselves with a bright smiles as they would go on to win Mongolia 1–0 thus earning them the 3 points and finishing in third place.

FIFA Series tournament edit

In 2024, FIFA invited Vanuatu to the 2024 FIFA Series tournament held from 21 to 26 March 2024 in Jeddah where they would face Guinea (CAF) and Brunei (AFC). On 21 March, Vanuatu faced their first ever opponent from the Africa continent, Guinea in a 6–0 lost.

Team image edit

Kit sponsorship edit

Kit provider[7] Period
  Lotto 2004–2011
  Nike 2012
  Veto 2013–2016
  Pasifika 2017
  Gorilla Sports 2018–2020
  KPI Sports 2020–2022
  Macron 2022–present

Results and fixtures edit

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2023 edit

9 June Intercontinental Cup Lebanon   3–1   Vanuatu Bhubaneswar, India
16:30 UTC+5:30
Report Wohale   61' Stadium: Kalinga Stadium
Referee: Harish Kundu (India)
12 June Intercontinental Cup Vanuatu   0–1   India Bhubaneswar, India
19:30 UTC+5:30 Report
Stadium: Kalinga Stadium
Referee: Virendha Rai (Bhutan)
15 June Intercontinental Cup Vanuatu   1–0   Mongolia Bhubaneswar, India
14:30 UTC+5:30 Gantuyaa   46' (o.g.) Report Stadium: Kalinga Stadium
Referee: Songkran Bunmeekiart (Thailand)
20 November 2023 Pacific Games Tuvalu   0–6   Vanuatu Honiara, Solomon Islands
12:00 Report
  • T. Kalotang   6', 53'
  • Tenene   11', 70'
  • Alefaio   35' (o.g.)
  • Moses   71'
Stadium: Lawson Tama Stadium
Referee: Shama Maemae (Solomon Islands)
23 November 2023 Pacific Games Vanuatu   1−1   Papua New Guinea Honiara, Solomon Islands
12:00
Report
Stadium: Lawson Tama Stadium
Referee: Norbert Hauata (Tahiti)
28 November 2023 Pacific Games New Caledonia   1−0   Vanuatu Honiara, Solomon Islands
12:00
Report Stadium: Lawson Tama Stadium
Referee: CK Kawana-Vaugh (New Zealand)
1 December 2023 Pacific Games Vanuatu   2−4   Fiji Honiara, Solomon Islands
15:00
Report
  • Dunn   22', 55'
  • Begg   73'
  • Nand   90+2'
Stadium: Lawson Tama Stadium
Referee: Ben Aukwai (Solomon Islands)

2024 edit

21 March 2024 FIFA Series Guinea   6−0   Vanuatu Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
22:00 UTC+3
Report Stadium: King Abdullah Sports City
Referee: Ahmed Al Ali (Jordan)
26 March 2024 FIFA Series Brunei   3–2   Vanuatu Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Stadium: Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City

Coaching staff edit

Position
Head coach   Emerson Alcantara
Assistant coach   George Amos
Assistant coach   François Sakama
Team Manager   Peter Takaro
Goalkeeper coach   Jimmy Obed
Assistant Goalkeeper coach   Jean Yves Galinie
Physio   Albert Lata

Coaching history edit

New Hebrides

  • P. Reichert (1973–1987)

Vanuatu

Players edit

Current squad edit

The following players were called up for the 2024 FIFA Series matches against Guinea and Brunei on 21 and 26 March 2024.[8]

Caps and goals are correct as of 14 October 2023, after the match against Papua New Guinea.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Joshua Willie (2000-06-13) June 13, 2000 (age 23) 1 0   ABM Galaxy
22 1GK James Iamar (1997-01-25) January 25, 1997 (age 27) 0 0   Tafea
1GK Dgen Leo (2000-08-06) August 6, 2000 (age 23) 0 0   Ruerue

4 2DF Michel Coulon (1995-12-03) 3 December 1995 (age 28) 15 1   Yatel
5 2DF Timothy Boulet (1998-11-29) November 29, 1998 (age 25) 9 0   Auckland City
15 2DF Lency Philip (1997-06-08) 8 June 1997 (age 26) 7 0   ABM Galaxy
2DF Samuel Kaloros (1989-09-16) 16 September 1989 (age 34) 3 0   Ifira Black Bird
2DF Jared Clark (1998-01-21) 21 January 1998 (age 26) 1 0   Croydon
2DF Kerry Iawak (1996-03-16) 16 March 1996 (age 28) 0 0   Ifira Black Bird
2DF Joseph Kalotiti 0 0

8 3MF John Alick (1991-04-25) 25 April 1991 (age 32) 16 0   Solomon Warriors
3MF Jayson Timatua (1998-12-27) 27 December 1998 (age 25) 3 0   Shepherds United
6 3MF Claude Aru (1997-04-25) 25 April 1997 (age 26) 7 1   North Efate United
12 3MF John Wohale (1997-07-09) 9 July 1997 (age 26) 9 0   Ifira Black Bird
14 3MF Joe Moses (2002-05-22) 22 May 2002 (age 21) 3 0   ABM Galaxy
3MF Bong Kalo (1997-01-18) 18 January 1997 (age 27) 19 2   ABM Galaxy
15 3MF Barry Mansale (1995-11-01) 1 November 1995 (age 28) 10 1   ABM Galaxy
3MF Jonathan Spokeyjack (1998-11-13) 13 November 1998 (age 25) 9 1   Ifira Black Bird
3MF Alick Worworbu (1997-08-27) 27 August 1997 (age 26) 0 0   Yatel

4FW Kensi Tangis (1991-12-19) 19 December 1991 (age 32) 26 4   ABM Galaxy
17 4FW Godine Tenene (1998-05-03) 3 May 1998 (age 25) 8 0   Ifira Black Bird
4FW Maliwan Thomas (2005-01-26) 26 January 2005 (age 19) 0 0   Tafea
4FW Keshly Joseph 0 0

Recent call-ups edit

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Anthony Taiwia (1994-09-04) 4 September 1994 (age 29) 0 0   Ifira Black Bird 2023 Pacific Games
GK Massing Kalotang (2002-08-26) August 26, 2002 (age 21) 8 0   Yatel 2023 MSG Prime Minister's Cup
GK Serge Daniel (1991-02-16) 16 February 1991 (age 33) 4 0   Erakor Golden Star v.   Solomon Islands, 23 March 2023

DF Tasso Jeffrey (1998-08-12) 12 August 1998 (age 25) 1 0   Gawler Eagles 2023 Pacific Games
DF Bethuel Ollie (1997-08-19) 19 August 1997 (age 26) 2 0   North Efate United 2023 Pacific Games
DF Zidane Maguekon (2000-06-03) June 3, 2000 (age 23) 1 0   Vaum United 2023 MSG Prime Minister's Cup
DF Terry Thomas 0 0   2023 MSG Prime Minister's Cup
DF Sylvain Worworbu (1998-08-17) August 17, 1998 (age 25) 0 0   Police FC 2023 MSG Prime Minister's Cup
DF Brian Kaltak (1993-09-30) 30 September 1993 (age 30) 22 5   Central Coast Mariners v.   Mongolia, 15 June 2023
DF Jason Thomas (1997-01-20) 20 January 1997 (age 27) 21 0   Erakor Golden Star v.   Mongolia, 15 June 2023
DF Selwyn Vatu (1998-06-13) 13 June 1998 (age 25) 14 0   ABM Galaxy v.   Mongolia, 15 June 2023
DF James Chilia (2001-03-23) 23 March 2001 (age 23) 0 0   Tupuji Imere v.   Mongolia, 15 June 2023

MF Raoul Coulon (1995-12-03) 3 December 1995 (age 28) 3 0   Yatel 2023 Pacific Games
MF Jean Taussi (1996-07-17) 17 July 1996 (age 27) 3 0   Ifira Black Bird 2023 Pacific Games
MF Lee Taiwia (1995-12-23) 23 December 1995 (age 28) 0 0   Ifira Black Bird 2023 Pacific Games
MF Elkington Molivakarua (1993-03-03) March 3, 1993 (age 31) 11 3   Ifira Black Bird 2023 MSG Prime Minister's Cup
MF Dominique Fred (1992-10-21) October 21, 1992 (age 31) 7 1   Ifira Black Bird 2023 MSG Prime Minister's Cup
MF Tyson Gere (2000-07-11) July 11, 2000 (age 23) 0 0   VFF Academy 2023 MSG Prime Minister's Cup

FW Azariah Soromon (1999-03-01) 1 March 1999 (age 25) 17 7   Suva 2023 Pacific Games
FW Alex Saniel (1996-11-08) 8 November 1996 (age 27) 13 1   Suva 2023 Pacific Games
FW Tonly Kalotang (1997-05-19) 19 May 1997 (age 26) 2 0   Ifira Black Bird 2023 Pacific Games
FW Jordy Tasip (2000-07-14) 14 July 2000 (age 23) 0 0   Auckland City 2023 Pacific Games
FW Reginold Ravo (1997-08-25) August 25, 1997 (age 26) 1 0   Yatel 2023 MSG Prime Minister's Cup
FW Rexly Butakol 0 0   Rainbow 2023 MSG Prime Minister's Cup
FW Jacky Numake 0 0   Tafea 2023 MSG Prime Minister's Cup
MF Dondy Kileiter (1994-09-11) 11 September 1994 (age 29) 0 0   ABM Galaxy v.   Solomon Islands, 23 March 2023

Player records edit

As of 1 December 2023[9]
Players in bold are still active with Vanuatu.

Competitive record edit

FIFA World Cup edit

FIFA World Cup record FIFA World Cup qualification record
Year Host Result Position Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
1930 to 1986 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
1990   Italy Did not enter Did not enter
1994   United States Did not qualify 4 0 0 4 1 18
1998   France 2 0 1 1 2 3
2002   South Korea
  Japan
4 1 0 3 11 21
2006   Germany 9 4 1 4 21 11
2010   South Africa 12 5 1 6 30 19
2014   Brazil 3 1 0 2 8 9
2018   Russia 3 1 0 2 3 8
2022   Qatar Withdrew Withdrew
2026   Canada
  Mexico
  United States
To be determined To be determined
2030   Morocco
  Portugal
  Spain
2034   Saudi Arabia
Total 0/9 37 12 3 22 76 89

OFC Nations Cup edit

Oceania Cup / OFC Nations Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA
as   New Hebrides as   New Hebrides
  1973 Fourth place 4th 5 1 1 3 5 10 Squad No qualification
  1980 Group stage 7th 3 0 0 3 6 9
as   Vanuatu as   Vanuatu
  1996 Did not qualify 4 0 1 3 5 12
  1998 Group stage 5th 2 0 0 2 2 13 Squad 4 2 1 1 8 6
  2000 Fourth place 4th 4 1 0 3 5 8 Squad 4 2 0 2 12 7
  2002 4th 5 2 0 3 2 6 Squad Qualified automatically
  2004 Group stage 6th 5 1 0 4 5 9 Squad 4 3 1 0 16 2
  2008 Fourth place 4th 6 1 1 4 5 13 Squad 6 4 0 2 25 6
  2012 Group stage 5th 3 1 0 2 8 9 Squad Qualified automatically
  2016 7th 3 1 0 2 3 8 Squad
  2024 Qualifield Qualified as host
Total Fourth place 10/11 36 8 2 25 41 82 22 11 3 8 66 33

Pacific Games edit

Pacific Games record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA
as   New Hebrides
  1963 Group stage 6th 1 0 0 1 3 6
  1966 Third place 3rd 4 1 2 1 9 14
  1969 Group stage 5th 5 1 1 3 13 13
  1971 Runners-up 2nd 4 2 1 1 9 12
  1975 Group stage 5th 2 0 0 2 1 6
  1979 Fifth place 5th 6 4 0 2 19 6
as   Vanuatu
  1983 Group stage 6th 1 0 0 1 0 6
  1987 Fourth place 4th 6 2 1 3 16 13
  1991 Fourth place 4th 5 2 0 3 9 8
  1995 Fourth place 4th 5 2 0 3 10 9
  2003 Third place 3rd 6 3 3 0 23 3
  2007 Third place 3rd 6 4 0 2 25 6
  2011 Group stage 6th 5 4 0 1 18 7
  2015 See Vanuatu national under-23 football team
  2019 Group stage 5th 4 2 1 1 25 2
  2023 Semi-finals 4th 4 1 1 2 9 6
Total 15/15 0 Titles 64 28 10 26 189 117

Head-to-head record edit

Up to matches played on 21 March 2024.

Team Pld W D L GF GA GD WPCT
  American Samoa 4 4 0 0 39 1 +38 100.00
  Australia 4 0 0 4 0 7 −7 0.00
  Cook Islands 1 1 0 0 8 1 +7 100.00
  Estonia 1 0 0 1 0 1 −1 0.00
  Fiji 35 8 7 20 37 80 −43 22.86
  Guam 3 3 0 0 14 0 +14 100.00
  Guinea 1 0 0 1 0 6 −6 0.00
  India 1 0 0 1 0 1 −1 0.00
  Indonesia 1 0 0 1 0 6 −6 0.00
  Kiribati 1 1 0 0 18 0 +18 100.00
  Lebanon 1 0 0 1 1 3 −2 0.00
  Mongolia 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100.00
  New Caledonia 40 8 7 25 45 101 −56 20.00
  New Zealand 12 1 0 11 10 58 −48 8.33
  Papua New Guinea 22 9 5 8 33 28 +5 40.91
  Palau 1 1 0 0 6 2 +4 100.00
  Samoa[a] 5 5 0 0 36 1 +35 100.00
  Solomon Islands 34 6 7 21 37 76 −39 17.65
  Tahiti 26 5 3 18 28 64 −36 19.23
  Tonga 5 5 0 0 33 2 +31 100.00
  Tuvalu 4 4 0 0 22 1 +21 100.00
  Wallis and Futuna 2 2 0 0 10 1 +9 100.00
Total 205 64 29 112 378 440 −62 31.22
  1. ^ Includes results as Western Samoa.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Mamrud, Roberto; Stokkermans, Karel. "Players with 100+ Caps and 30+ International Goals". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 28 June 2011. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  2. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. 15 February 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  3. ^ "Vanuatu (New Hebrides) – List of International matches". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
  4. ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 27 March 2024. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  5. ^ "Micronesia suffer another humiliating defeat after 46–0 loss to Vanuatu | Football". The Guardian. 1 January 1970. Archived from the original on 9 July 2015. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
  6. ^ Sarkar, Uttiyo (4 June 2023). "Hero Intercontinental Cup Rival Watch: Vanuatu". khelnow.com. Khel Now India. Archived from the original on 4 June 2023. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  7. ^ "Antigo(a) Vanuatu camisas de futebol". Archived from the original on 14 June 2017. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  8. ^ "Hemia Hemi ofisal list blong nasonal tim we bae I tekem pat long fes edition blong FIFA Series we Vanuatu" (in Bislama). Vanuatu Football Federation. 16 March 2024. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  9. ^ "Vanuatu". National Football Teams.

Notes edit

External links edit

  • Vanuafoot – Vanuatu Football Federation Official site
  • Vanuatu at OFC
  • Vanuatu at FIFA
  • Vanuatu Football Federation Official Blog site
  • VFFFoot.over-nlog.com