PNGFA announces U15 Men’s National Team for FIFA U15 World Cup & Football Festival in Azerbaijan

The Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) is pleased to announce the participation of the PNG U15 Men’s National Team in the upcoming FIFA U15 World Cup and Football Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The team will depart Papua New Guinea on 20 October 2026 and is scheduled to return on 3 November 2026, providing the young footballers with a valuable opportunity to gain international exposure, develop their skills, and represent their country on the global stage.

Led by captain Mathew Sopo, the 14-member squad will be guided by Head Coach Mathew Witu and Assistant Coach Godfrey Baniau.

The FIFA U15 Men’s World Cup and Football Festival forms part of FIFA’s global youth football development initiatives, bringing together young footballers from its Member Associations to experience international competition, cultural exchange, and opportunities to develop their abilities in an international football environment.

For Papua New Guinea, participation in the festival represents an important step in strengthening the country’s youth football development pathway. The experience will expose the selected players to different footballing styles, new learning environments, and the demands of representing their nation at an international level.

The opportunity also supports PNGFA’s long-term commitment to identifying and nurturing young talent, developing future national team players, and building sustainable pathways from grassroots football through to senior international representation.

Beyond the players, the festival will provide the coaching staff with valuable international experience and opportunities to learn from the broader global football development environment.

PNGFA believes that opportunities such as this can inspire more young people across the country to participate in football and pursue their ambitions, demonstrating that Papua New Guinean talent can earn opportunities to compete and learn on the world stage.

The PNG U15 Men’s National Team has been drawn in Group O alongside Belarus, Botswana, Mali, Mongolia, and Peru. The group fixtures will provide the team with an opportunity to test itself against international opposition while gaining 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 that benefit young footballers across the region.

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

As the team prepares for its departure, PNGFA wishes the players and officials a safe journey and a successful experience in Azerbaijan. The Association encourages the young representatives to embrace the opportunity, learn from the experience, and represent Papua New Guinea with pride, discipline, and respect.

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 – 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

PC: OFC