Bilikiki aim to end beach soccer 13-year title drought

The Solomon Islands’ bid for another World Cup appearance begins against Melanesian rivals New Caledonia in the opening match of the 2026 Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup at Aorai Tini Hau in Pirae, Tahiti.

The ninth tournament features four Pacific nations competing for the title and a place at the 2027 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Hosts Tahiti are joined by three other teams: Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

The Solomon Islands beach soccer team, known as the ‘Bilikiki’, are aiming to end a 13-year title drought. Four-time champions and winners of the tournament’s first three editions, they have also qualified for five FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups.

That success has proved elusive over the past decade, and their quest to return to the global stage begins under James Naka, one of Oceania’s most renowned beach soccer figures. Naka is in charge of the team for a second time and has been involved in all eight previous tournaments.

Naka, the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 34 goals since 2006, says his side was well prepared for the challenge.

“Our preparation is going well, and the boys are getting good, and the team is ready to perform,” Naka told the media.

Solomon Islands' Bilikiki team in Tahiti for OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup 2026. Photo/Solomon Islands Football Federation Facebook/

He identified reigning champions and hosts Tahiti as his side’s biggest challenge, but expressed confidence in his team’s preparation and strength.

“We have built our team together and there's no difference. Strength is all about power and every player has power. I believe my team and my boys, they already have strength and they will display a good game.”

With expectations high among supporters at home, Naka promised that the team would give its best throughout the tournament.

Highlights of Tahiti vs Solomon Islands final in 2024.

“We are here to compete, and we are here for a mission.”

Seven players from the squad that reached the final two years ago remain, alongside several newcomers.

Captain Charlie Otainao said that although some players were new to the tournament, the squad was well prepared and ready.

All four nations will play one another once in a round-robin format. The top two teams will advance to the final, while the third- and fourth-placed sides will meet in the third-place play-off. Both matches will be played on the tournament’s final day.

The four-time champions Solomon Islands have not lifted the trophy since 2013 and have lost each of the last three finals to Tahiti. Photo/OFC/

Tahiti will defend their title on home sand. The Tiki Toa have dominated the competition in recent years, winning four of the past five titles and remaining unbeaten at the tournament since 2011. Their strong record has also earned them nine appearances at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup as Oceania’s representatives.

Vanuatu returns to the tournament for the first time since 2019, while New Caledonia will make their third appearance.

Opening-day action on Sunday, 25 October 2026, will see the Bilikiki face New Caledonia at 1:00pm, followed by Vanuatu against hosts Tahiti 3:00pm. All matches are available to watch live and free the OFC YouTube Channel

Elton Lonaratha Jnr, a journalism student at Wintec, is currently completing a six-week internship at PMN News.