PNG departs for U-15 Men’s World Cup, Football Festival

The Papua New Guinea U-15 Men’s National Team departed today for Azerbaijan to participate in the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Football Festival.

Led by captain Mathew Sopo, the 14-member squad will represent Papua New Guinea at the international youth football development event. It brings together young footballers from FIFA Member Associations to gain international experience, engage in cultural exchange, and further develop their skills. The team is coached by Mathew Witu, with Godfrey Baniau serving as assistant coach.

Serving as a pathway for youth development, the festival provides Papua New Guinea’s emerging football talent with international experience to test their abilities against players from different backgrounds.

The event aligns with PNGFA’s commitment to strengthening youth football development, identifying promising players, and building sustainable pathways from grassroots participation through to national team representation.

Exposure to international football at this stage of their development will help the players build

confidence, improve their understanding of the game, and gain valuable experience as they continue their football journeys.

The opportunity also provides the coaching staff with experience in an international environment, contributing to the broader development of football in Papua New Guinea.

PNGFA believes that initiatives such as this can inspire young footballers across the country to pursue their ambitions and demonstrate that Papua New Guinean talent can earn opportunities to compete and develop on the world stage.

Papua New Guinea has been drawn in Group O alongside Belarus, Botswana, Mali, Mongolia, and Peru.

The young Kapuls are scheduled to begin their campaign against Mongolia on 24 October, followed by matches against Peru and Belarus on 25 October. They will then conclude their listed group fixtures against Botswana and Mali on 26 October.

The campaign will provide the team with opportunities to learn from international opposition,

demonstrate their abilities and gain valuable experience in a competitive environment.

The PNGFA Secretariat extends its appreciation to FIFA and the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) for their continued commitment to football development and for supporting opportunities for young players across the region.

The governing body also acknowledges the players’ parents and families, coaches, and all stakeholders, whose support and contribution have helped make this opportunity possible.

As the team begins its journey in Azerbaijan, PNGFA wishes the players and officials a safe journey and a successful experience. The young Kapuls are encouraged to represent Papua New Guinea with pride, discipline, respect, and determination while making the most of this important development opportunity.

PNG U15 Men’s National Team Squad

1. Caleb Tekwie

2. Bradley Wagambie

3. Emmanuel Ian

4. Mathew Sopo (Captain)

5. Ricardo Daniel

6. Einstein Piska

7. Bafeng David

8. Mark Malisa

9. Mosley Michael

10. Rianno Miller

11. Nigel Gunemba

12. Mairi Keto

13. Philotios Vela

14. Michael Philip

Team Officials

• Head Coach: Mathew Witu

• Assistant Coach: Godfrey Baniau

Group O – Match Fixtures

• 24 October 2026: Papua New Guinea vs Mongolia

• 25 October 2026: Papua New Guinea vs Peru

• 25 October 2026: Papua New Guinea vs Belarus

• 26 October 2026: Papua New Guinea vs Botswana

• 26 October 2026: Papua New Guinea vs Mali