Soccer OFC: Wallis and Futuna has a history in Pacific Games and an amateur league

In this article we will analyze how football develops on this small island in Oceania.

Writer by Sports & News Continental | From New Zealand, OFC

#Episode6 OFC SOCCER ANALYSIS

Wallis and Futuna is an overseas collectivity of France, but it also maintains the presence of three traditional kingdoms that coexist under French administration. This French overseas territory has a footballing history dating back to the mid-20th century.

The Wallis and Futuna national football team participated in the following editions of the Pacific Games: 1966: The team participated in the group stage, but was eliminated, finishing in 6th place. 1979: The team reached the quarterfinals, their best campaign in history, finishing in 10th place. 1983: They repeated the feat, reaching the quarterfinals again and finishing in 6th place. 1987: They finished in 5th place. 1991: They were eliminated in the group stage, finishing in 7th place. 1995: They were eliminated again in the group stage, finishing in 9th place.

The territory also has a local league for its clubs. Some of the league's clubs are:

Mata Uta Lose CS Fatima Galo AS Aka-aka Mala'e United Alofi Strikers Liku SC Leava FC

Stadium:  Stade de Kafika Mata-Utu Football in Wallis and Futuna appears to have had an active and organized phase that lasted for decades, but currently its status is uncertain and lacks visibility.

In addition to modern sports, the sporting culture of Wallis and Futuna is deeply connected to traditional Polynesian practices, such as: Traditional wrestling (lutte traditionnelle): a sport with ancient roots that continues to be practiced. Stone lifting (lever de pierre): a tradition that demonstrates strength and endurance, often performed at local festivals. Traditional canoe racing (va'a): a maritime heritage celebrated in events and competitions.

Initiatives such as the OFC's, with FIFA's support, to add regional content to FIFA+ and also the possible creation of the OFC Professional League will professionalize the region's elite and consequently bring the spotlight to countries where football is still.

In short, although football has a history in the Pacific Games and an amateur league, they are still in the maturation phase to be able to take the next step in the future, which would be to create an official league and affiliate with the OFC, but they are not far from participating in the qualifiers for the 2028 OFC Nations Cup, the experience in the Pacific Games and an amateur league are a good foundation.