It’s now or never for the Fiji men’s football team as they prepare for Friday night’s semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers against New Zealand at the Sky Stadium in Wellington. Speaking to SUNsports yesterday Fiji Football Association chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf said this match happens only once after every four years. “If Fiji beat New Zealand we’re one and a half step away,” he said. “If we win the final then we qualify directly to the World Cup. If we don’t win the final, then there is another chance by playing either in the Asian or African qualifiers.” Yusuf said the 23-member squad has moved from Auckland to Wellington and there has been a lot of support from the Fijian community there. The national side beat Wellington Phoenix Reserves 2-0 in their final warm-up match. The goals were scored by Thomas Dunn and Etonia Dogalau. “The boys are in high spirits and are responding well to the training set by coach, Rob Sherman. “This is a match where we’ve got nothing to lose but the boys are going to give their all.” The last time Fiji beat New Zealand in a World Cup qualifier was in 1988. Historic moment In another first, Fiji FA competitions manager Shaniya Shankar has been named FIFA match coordinator of the first semi-final between New Caledonia and Tahiti. “Shaniya is the first local woman to become a FIFA match coordinator. She flew out of the country on Sunday to prepare for the match,” confirms Yusuf. He also indicated that a big contingent of Fiji fans would be at the Sky Stadium cheering for the team. “I’ve received calls from New Zealand that most of the flights from Auckland to Wellington have been fully booked. So, most Fiji fans living in Auckland will drive down to Wellington.” Veteran goalkeeper Akuila Mateisuva said all the work has been done but has called on for support. Similar sentiment was echoed by striker Dunn indicating that it won’t be an easy game. “Your support will motivate us to do better,” he added. Consistency New Zealand All Whites coach Darren Bazeley said for them most of their overseas-based players have arrived and they would have two training sessions before the semi-final. “For us it’s all about consistency,” he said. “Fiji is going to be very competitive. They have a good coach in Rob (Sherman). They have been together for a while building some fitness and strength obviously. “So definitely, they’ll come with a plan,” he said. The match kicks-off at 6pm. Meanwhile, Yusuf has called on all districts to start their club competition as the Extra Premier League takes a three-week break. The break, he said, it because of the FIFA International Match Calendar. “It is a requirement by Fiji FA, that all districts must hold their club competition throughout the three weeks,” he said. “This is where they can identify their young homegrown talents and include them in their respective district teams. “We’ll be monitoring that all club games are up and running.” At the end of the first round of the EPL competition, unbeaten Labasa is currently leading the points table with 10 points followed by Nadi and Nasinu tied with seven. Defending champions Rewa has been excused from playing because six of their players are with the national football team in New Zealand. Also, they will be representing Fiji at the OFC Champions League in Honiara, Solomon Islands, soon after the World Cup qualifiers in New Zealand.. Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj