The match schedule for the 2025 OFC Futsal Men’s Cup has been confirmed, with Solomon Islands’ national futsal team, the Kurukuru, set for a blockbuster opener against New Zealand on 20 September at Suva’s Vodafone Arena in Fiji.
Unlike previous editions, this year’s champion will be decided through a round-robin format, with total points determining the winner. Goal difference and goals scored will be used as tiebreakers if required.
The tournament was originally scheduled to take place in Honiara but has since been relocated to Fiji’s capital with each team set tol play four matches across five days, with two games scheduled daily at the Arena.
The opening clash promises fireworks as Oceania’s futsal heavyweights go head-to-head. The Kurukuru, reigning OFC Futsal Men’s Cup holders, will begin their title defence against the same side that denied them the OFC Men’s Futsal Nations Cup crown last year.
This year’s competition will feature five nations: hosts Fiji, Vanuatu, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, and OFC associate member Tuvalu, who return to the tournament for the first time since 2011.
Long regarded as the pride of Solomon Islands sport, the Kurukuru are determined to reclaim regional supremacy with its new looked young squad, especially after New Zealand represented Oceania at the 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
