New Oceania soccer era to start tomorrowAPA new era in international soccer is to begin tomorrow when Vanuatu United meet Bula of Fiji in Auckland, New Zealand, in the first game of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Pro League. The league would also determine which team represents Oceania at the next FIFA Club World Cup in 2029, where they can earn substantial financial rewards. Playing regular soccer would also help raise standards across Oceania and provide more professional pathways for young players. “Technically, the boys [in New Zealand] are very gifted,” said Rob Sherman, head coach of South Island United, a New Zealand-based OFC Pro League team. “In countries where it is hard to sustain a professional football league, the cross-border option should always be one to explore,” Larman said.

Source: Taipei Times January 16, 2026 17:14 UTC