The New Caledonia is an overseas territory attached to France that has not yet accessed independence. “But, when it comes to football, it’s already a reality,” indicates La Repubblica.
The archipelago has its own selection team and, believe it or not, despite ranking at 150th place (out of 210) in the FIFA rankings, it is only “two matches away from the World Cup, just like Italy,” astonishes the Roman newspaper. On the night of Thursday, March 26 to Friday March 27, the New Caledonians will face Jamaica in Zapopan, in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, as part of the playoffs for the 2026 World Cup.
If they defeat the Reggae Boyz, the Oceanians will then have to overcome the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to secure their ticket to the most prestigious football competition. “Today, this scenario represents the greatest opportunity in their history,” can be read on the website of the local Mexican television station TV Azteca Jalisco.
But the task ahead is daunting. Football in New Caledonia remains far from the structure of professional leagues that supply players to national teams.
Des joueurs amateurs
“For years, young talents flourished there but ended up leaving.”
