Tonga’s national men’s football team, Tu’ulalupe, has embarked on a momentous journey in their quest to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The team, full of hope and determination, departed from Fua’amotu International Airport yesterday, with a 22-player squad heading to Fiji for the first leg of their campaign. This departure marks the culmination of months of intense preparation, planning, and commitment, as Tonga sets its sights on making history.
The road to the FIFA World Cup is no small feat for a nation like Tonga, where football competes with rugby for the hearts of the sports-loving public. However, the national team’s management and coach, Kilifi Uele have invested significant resources and effort to ensure the team is well-prepared for this challenge.
For the past months, the team has been engaged in rigorous trainings, focusing on building both the physical and mental resilience required for international competition. Training sessions have been intense, with a particular emphasis on improving the team’s tactical awareness, fitness levels, and technical skills. The coaching staff, led by Head Coach Kilifi Uele, has worked tirelessly to instill a strong sense of discipline and unity within the squad.
Tu’ulalupe will once again be captained by Hemaloto Polovili, whose leadership both on and off the pitch has been instrumental in the team’s development. Polovili, known for his tactical intelligence and composure under pressure, has been a key figure in the team’s journey, guiding younger players and maintaining high standards throughout their preparations.
Alongside Polovili, veteran midfielder Fineasi Palei has been appointed as the team’s vice-captain. Palei’s experience and leadership qualities have made him a respected figure within the squad, and his ability to inspire and motivate his teammates will be crucial as the team navigates the challenges ahead.
Upon arrival in Fiji, the team quickly settled into their base in Nadi, where they will play two friendly matches as part of their final preparations before the World Cup qualifiers. These matches are seen as critical opportunities for the team to test their strategies and build cohesion on the field.
The first of these friendlies is scheduled for today against Nadi FC, one of Fiji’s prominent football clubs. The second friendly, taking place on Saturday, will see the team face Ba FC, another top-tier Fijian club known for its competitive edge. These matches will be crucial for assessing the team’s readiness and identifying any areas that need refinement before the qualifiers begin.
After their Fiji stint, Tu’ulalupe will depart for Samoa, where they will face their first official qualification match against the Cook Islands on Friday, September 6th. This match will be the first of two matches the team must overcome in the Oceania qualifying tournament round one. With only one spot available for the second round of the Oceania Qualification, every match will be critical.
The team’s combination of experienced leadership and youthful enthusiasm, coupled with their disciplined preparation, gives them hope that they can defy the odds and make a serious push for qualification.
As Tu’ulalupe embarks on this historic quest, they carry the hopes and dreams of an entire nation. Football may not be the dominant sport in Tonga, but the team’s journey has captured the imagination of many, igniting a sense of pride across the country. The players understand the significance of their mission and are determined to represent Tonga with honor and distinction.
Tu’ulalupe FIFA World Cup Qualifying 2026 Squad
- Semisi ‘Otukolo
- Petelo Naniseni
- Kulisitofa Kite
- ‘Utu’one Lea’aetoa
- Christopher Kefu
- Fineasi Palei
- Lisiate Feke
- ‘Amoni Fifita
- Hemaloto Polovili
- ‘Ata ‘Inia
- Petelo Manu
- Va’inga Teu
- Vilikisepi Tai
- Hake Fonua
- Herick Funaki
- ‘Ulafala Sonasi
- ‘Unaloto Pahulu
- David Tu’amoheloa
- Topuluka Tu’amoheloa
- Tomasi Armitage
- Viliami Tukia
- Viliami Tikoipau
- Maikeli Lomu
