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Tahiti national football team

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This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Tahiti women's national football team.

Tahiti
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Toa Aito (Les guerriers de fer; Iron Warriors)
AssociationTahitian Football Federation
ConfederationOFC (Oceania)
Head coachSamuel Garcia[1]
CaptainTeaonui Tehau
Most capsTeaonui Tehau (48)
Top scorerTeaonui Tehau (31)
Home stadiumStade Pater Te Hono Nui
FIFA codeTAH
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 153 Steady (19 December 2024)[2]
Highest111 (August 2002)
Lowest196 (April–May 2016)
First international
 French Polynesia 2–2 New Zealand 
(Papeete, Tahiti; 21 September 1952)
Biggest win
 Tahiti 30–0 Cook Islands 
(Papeete, Tahiti; 2 September 1971)
Biggest defeat
 New Zealand 10–0 Tahiti 
(Adelaide, Australia; 4 June 2004)
 Spain 10–0 Tahiti 
(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 20 June 2013)
OFC Nations Cup
Appearances10 (first in 1973)
Best resultChampions (2012)
Coupe de l'Outre-Mer
Appearances2 (first in 2010)
Best resultSixth place (2012)
Confederations Cup
Appearances1 (first in 2013)
Best resultGroup stage (2013)

The Tahiti men's national football team (French: Équipe de football de Tahiti, Tahitian: Te pŭpŭ tu'e popo a te fenua Tahiti) represents French Polynesia[4][5][6][7] and is controlled by the Fédération Tahitienne de Football. The team consists of a selection of players from French Polynesia, not just Tahiti, and has competed in the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) since 1990.

Tahiti is traditionally one of the stronger footballing nations of the Pacific Islands, with the second-best record at the football section of the South Pacific Games, with five victories. They were runners-up in the first three instalments of the Nations Cup (1973, 1980 and 1996). The nation went through a period of less success, but showed promise when it qualified for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt. This success was followed up with the title of 2012 OFC Nations Cup, becoming the first team other than Australia and New Zealand to win the competition. Tahiti thus qualified to the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup held in Brazil.

History

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Tahiti played its first full match on 21 September 1952, at home against New Zealand, drawing 2–2. Seven days later, the two teams played again and New Zealand won 5–3. On 30 September, they played each other for a third time, and Tahiti gained its first victory, by 2–0. However, it is unknown whether this was a full international match.[8]

In September 1953, Tahiti played three matches in New Caledonia against its national side, losing the first 5–0 and the later two 4–1. They then travelled to the New Hebrides (now Vanuatu) and beat its national side 4–2 twice. In 1969, touring World Champions England beat Tahiti 4–1 in an exhibition match.[9] In 1989, under the leadership of Napoleon Spitz, the official federation was created.

Tahiti entered its first World Cup qualification with the aim of reaching the 1994 World Cup, held in the United States. They were placed in Group A alongside Australia and the Solomon Islands, and played their first match away to the Solomon Islands in Honiara on 11 July 1992. Eric Etaeta equalised for Tahiti to make it 1–1 in the 76th minute. On 11 September, Tahiti hosted Australia in Papeete and lost 3–0. The next fixture was again against Australia, and resulted in a 2–0 away defeat in Brisbane on 20 September. On 9 October, in Papeete, Tahiti defeated the Solomon Islands 4–2. Tahiti's first goal was scored as an 8th-minute penalty from Reynald Temarii, a politician and current president of the OFC. However, Tahiti finished second to Australia in the group and did not advance.

2012 OFC Nations Cup

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In 2012, the new edition of the tournament occurred in the Solomon Islands with the host country, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Tahiti, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Samoa (winner of the qualifying tournament) playing the competition. Tahiti defeated New Caledonia in the final in Lawson Tama Stadium 1–0 with a goal by Steevy Chong Hue and became the first team other than Australia (no longer part of OFC) and New Zealand to be crowned Oceania champions.[10]

2013 Confederations Cup

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Tahiti players playing against 2010 FIFA World Cup champions Spain

By winning the 2012 OFC Nations Cup, Tahiti qualified for the 2013 Confederations Cup, held in Brazil, for the first time.[11] Tahiti is the first – and, following the tournament's abolition, only – team which participated in the Confederations Cup but has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. On 17 June 2013, Tahiti lost 1–6 to Nigeria in the 2013 Confederations Cup in Belo Horizonte, with Jonathan Tehau scoring the goal for Tahiti in the second half with a header from a corner; Tahiti fans still rejoiced in the prospect of scoring a goal in an international tournament.[12] On 20 June, Tahiti lost 10–0 against Spain to equal their largest ever lost against New Zealand nine years earlier.[13] On 23 June 2013, Tahiti was beaten 8–0 by Uruguay.[14]

In all, Tahiti conceded 24 goals and scored 1 to end with a goal differential of −23, the worst of any national team in any major competition.[15] However, even with the poor record and heavy defeats, Tahiti's underdog qualities gathered significant respect from the people of Brazil, who always cheered for them in every match.[16] Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque, and strikers Fernando Torres and David Villa – who scored four and three goals respectively against Tahiti – complimented the team's fair play.[17]

2022 FIFA World Cup qualification (OFC)

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After two matches canceled due to COVID-19, the Tahitians returned to the qualifying tournament for the World Cup in Qatar. The Toa Aito lost to Solomon Islands and finished second in Group A. Solomon Islands led in the score in the 20th minute, the Tahitians equalized the score when Alvin Tehau scored in the 26th minute. Solomon Islands then made the difference on the return from the half on a lightning counterattack before taking the lead more widely at the end of the match 1–3.[18]

Rivalries

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A historical sporting rivalry exists between the two French Pacific overseas collectivities, Tahiti and New Caledonia. They compete regularly in regional and, since 2006, international competitions. In 2012, Tahiti led the number of titles won (1 OFC Nations Cup, 5 gold medals at the South Pacific Games, 2 at the South Pacific mini-games, against 6 gold at the South Pacific Games for New Caledonia). As of their last match in 2018, out of the 62 matches played since 1953, the New Caledonia has 28 wins against 25 for Tahiti and 9 draws.[19]

Team image

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Kit sponsorship

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Kit lier Period
Germany Adidas 2000–2003
Italy Lotto 2004–2012
United States Nike 2013–2021
Italy Macron 2022–2023
Germany Puma 2024–present

Results and fixtures

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See also: Tahiti national football team results (2000–present)

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2024

[edit]
16 June 2024 OFC Nations Cup GS Tahiti  2–0  Samoa Suva, Fiji
Stadium: HFC Bank Stadium
19 June 2024 OFC Nations Cup GS Papua New Guinea  1–1  Tahiti Suva, Fiji
Stadium: HFC Bank Stadium
22 June 2024 OFC Nations Cup GS Fiji  1–0  Tahiti Suva, Fiji
 Stadium: HFC Bank Stadium
27 June 2024 OFC Nations Cup SF New Zealand  5–0  Tahiti Port Vila, Vanuatu
Report Stadium: Freshwater Stadium
30 June 2024 OFC Nations Cup 3rd Tahiti  2–1  Fiji Port Vila, Vanuatu
Stadium: Freshwater Stadium
11 October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers R2 New Zealand  3–0  Tahiti Port Vila, Vanuatu
13:00 UTC+11
Report Stadium: Freshwater Stadium
Attendance: 1,000
Referee: Médéric Lacour (New Caledonia)
15 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers R2 Samoa  0–3  Tahiti Hamilton, New Zealand
16:00 UTC+13 Report
Stadium: Waikato Stadium
Attendance: 638
Referee: Kavitesh Behari (Fiji)
18 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers R2 Tahiti  2–0  Vanuatu Auckland, New Zealand
16:00 UTC+13
Report Stadium: Mount Smart Stadium
Attendance: 395
Referee: Médéric Lacour (New Caledonia)

2025

[edit]
21 March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers R3 New Caledonia  –  Tahiti Wellington, New Zealand
--:-- UTC+12 Stadium: Sky Stadium

Coaching history

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Players

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Current squad

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The following players were called up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification game against  Vanuatu on 18 November 2024.[20]

Caps and goals correct as of 18 November 2024, after the match against  Vanuatu.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Tevaearai Tamatai (2001-01-15) 15 January 2001 (age 23) 0 0 French Polynesia Vénus
16 1GK Teave Teamotuaitau (1992-04-17) 17 April 1992 (age 32) 20 0 French Polynesia Tefana
23 1GK François Decoret (1999-03-10) 10 March 1999 (age 25) 4 0 French Polynesia Pirae
3 2DF Matatia Paama (1992-10-03) 3 October 1992 (age 32) 21 1 French Polynesia Pirae
5 2DF François Hapipi (1999-03-10) 10 March 1999 (age 25) 9 0 French Polynesia Tefana
7 2DF Eddy Kaspard (2001-05-27) 27 May 2001 (age 23) 14 4 French Polynesia Tefana
12 2DF Mauri Heitaa (1999-07-31) 31 July 1999 (age 25) 9 0 French Polynesia Vénus
17 2DF Téva Lossec (2002-12-03) 3 December 2002 (age 22) 12 1 United States Campbell Fighting Camels
19 2DF Kévin Barbe (1997-09-02) 2 September 1997 (age 27) 15 1 French Polynesia Vénus
20 2DF Victor Snow (1991-10-27) 27 October 1991 (age 33) 2 0 French Polynesia Tefana
4 3MF Vahia Tetuaroa (2000-01-05) 5 January 2000 (age 24) 0 0 Unknown
6 3MF Louis Gitton (2002-04-02) 2 April 2002 (age 22) 7 1 French Polynesia Tefana
8 3MF Roonui Tehau (1999-12-15) 15 December 1999 (age 25) 11 1 French Polynesia Vénus
11 3MF Manuarii Shan (2004-02-23) 23 February 2004 (age 20) 11 0 French Polynesia Vénus
13 3MF Frank Papaura (2005-04-06) 6 April 2005 (age 19) 13 0 French Polynesia Pueu
14 3MF Alvin Tehau (1989-04-10) 10 April 1989 (age 35) 30 9 French Polynesia Pirae
9 4FW Benoît Mathon (1989-04-05) 5 April 1989 (age 35) 3 2 France Union Saint-Jean
10 4FW Teaonui Tehau (1992-09-01) 1 September 1992 (age 32) 48 31 French Polynesia Vénus
18 4FW Manoa Flores 0 0 French Polynesia Vénus
21 4FW Matéo Degrumelle (2003-08-22) 22 August 2003 (age 21) 11 3 France Quevilly-Rouen

Recent call-ups

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The following players have been called up to the Tahiti squad within the last twelve months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Rautea Vongue (2000-01-25) 25 January 2000 (age 24) 0 0 Unknown v.  New Zealand, 11 October 2024
DF Pothin Poma (1997-02-13) 13 February 1997 (age 27) 4 0 French Polynesia Dragon v.  New Zealand, 11 October 2024
DF Rainui Aroita (1994-01-25) 25 January 1994 (age 30) 4 0 French Polynesia Tamarii Faa'a 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup
DF Haumau Tanetoa (2004-11-18) 18 November 2004 (age 20) 3 0 French Polynesia Dragon 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup
MF Tauhiti Keck (1994-08-01) 1 August 1994 (age 30) 18 6 French Polynesia Vénus v.  New Zealand, 11 October 2024
MF Taumihau Tiatia (1991-07-25) 25 July 1991 (age 33) 12 0 French Polynesia Pirae v.  New Zealand, 11 October 2024
MF Terai Bremond (2001-05-16) 16 May 2001 (age 23) 8 0 French Polynesia Vénus 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup
FW Roonui Tinirauarii (1997-03-14) 14 March 1997 (age 27) 10 5 French Polynesia Dragon 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup
FW Ariiura Labaste (2002-07-26) 26 July 2002 (age 22) 5 0 French Polynesia Pirae 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup

Player records

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As of 15 November 2024[21]
Players in bold are still active with Tahiti.

Most appearances

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Teaonui Tehau is Tahiti's top goalscorer and their most capped player.
Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Teaonui Tehau 48 31 2011–present
2 Angelo Tchen 34 1 2001–2018
3 Heimano Bourebare 30 1 2010–present
4 Alvin Tehau 29 9 2010–present
5 Steevy Chong Hue 28 8 2010–2016
Xavier Samin 28 0 2001–2013
7 Jonathan Tehau 25 5 2011–2017
Vincent Simon 25 1 2004–2016
9 Stanley Atani 24 6 2010–2019
10 Felix Tagawa 22 14 2000–2004

Top goalscorers

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Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Teaonui Tehau 31 48 0.65 2011–present
2 Felix Tagawa 14 22 0.64 2000–2004
3 Naea Bennett 12 16 0.75 1996–2010
4 Alvin Tehau 9 29 0.31 2010–present
5 Steevy Chong Hue 8 28 0.29 2010–2016
6 Jean-Loup Rousseau 7 15 0.47 1992–2000
Lorenzo Tehau 7 20 0.35 2010–2017
8 Tauhiti Keck 6 18 0.33 2011–present
Stanley Atani 6 24 0.25 2010–2019
10 Roonui Tinirauarii 5 10 0.5 2022–present
Tamatoa Tetauira 5 11 0.45 2016–2019
Hiro Poroiae 5 12 0.42 2007–2013
Jonathan Tehau 5 25 0.2 2011–2017

Competitive record

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FIFA World Cup

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FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Host Result Position Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
1930 to 1954 Did not exist Did not exist
1958 to 1990 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
1994  United States Did not qualify 4 1 1 2 5 8
1998  France 4 0 1 3 2 12
2002  South Korea
 Japan 		4 3 0 1 14 6
2006  Germany 9 3 3 3 7 25
2010  South Africa 4 1 1 2 2 6
2014  Brazil 9 4 0 5 20 17
2018  Russia 7 3 2 2 14 7
2022  Qatar 2 0 0 2 1 4
2026  Canada
 Mexico
 United States 		To be determined To be determined
2030  Morocco
 Portugal
 Spain
2034  Saudi Arabia
Total 0/8 43 15 8 20 65 85

FIFA Confederations Cup

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FIFA Confederations Cup record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA
1992 to 1995 No OFC representative invited
1997 to 2009 Did not qualify
Brazil 2013 Group stage 8th 3 0 0 3 1 24
Russia 2017 Did not qualify
Total Group stage 1/10 3 0 0 3 1 24

OFC Nations Cup

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Main article: Tahiti at the OFC Nations Cup
Oceania Cup / OFC Nations Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA
New Zealand 1973 Runners-up 2nd 5 2 2 1 7 4 Squad No qualification
New Caledonia 1980 Runners-up 2nd 4 3 0 1 23 9 —
Pacific Community 1996 Runners-up 2nd 4 2 0 2 3 12 Squad 3 3 0 0 10 1
Australia 1998 Fourth place 4th 4 1 0 3 8 10 Squad 4 4 0 0 27 1
French Polynesia 2000 Group stage 5th 2 0 0 2 2 5 Squad 4 4 0 0 30 2
New Zealand 2002 Third place 3rd 5 3 0 2 8 9 Squad Qualified automatically
Australia 2004 Group stage 5th 5 1 1 3 2 24 Squad 4 2 2 0 5 1
Pacific Community 2008 Did not qualify 4 1 1 2 2 6
Solomon Islands 2012 Champions 1st 5 5 0 0 20 5 Squad Qualified automatically
Papua New Guinea 2016 Group stage 5th 3 1 2 0 7 3 Squad
Fiji Vanuatu 2024 Third place 3rd 5 2 1 2 5 8 Squad
Total 1 Title 10/11 42 20 6 16 85 89 — 19 14 3 2 74 11

Head-to-head record

[edit]
Main article: Tahiti national football team records and statistics

Honours

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Major competitions

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Regional

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Historical kits

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1984 Home
1987 Home
1990 Home
2000 Home
2002 Home
2004 Home
2007 Home
2011 Home
2011 Away
2012 Home
2012 Home
2012 Away
2013 Home
2013 Away
2016 Home
2016 Away
2022 Home
2022 Away

Sources:[22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31]

See also

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Notes

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References

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  1. ^ "Sélection de Tahiti: Samuel Garcia est le nouvel entreineur". Fedération Tahitienne de Football. FTF. 21 May 2018. Archived from the original on 29 May 2019. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
  2. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 19 December 2024. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
  3. ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 25 December 2024. Retrieved 25 December 2024.
  4. ^ "Trophies in paradise". The Football Ramble. 2 October 2012. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
  5. ^ "Tahiti ready for Confederations Cup". The Scotsman. 9 June 2013. Archived from the original on 3 February 2020. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
  6. ^ "IN THE LAND OF GIANTS – Tahiti set for Confederations Cup adventure". Football Republik. 14 June 2013. Archived from the original on 24 November 2021. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  7. ^ "Tahiti national football team". Road To Brazil. Archived from the original on 5 July 2013. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  8. ^ "Tahiti International Matches". Rsssf.com. Archived from the original on 9 August 2022. Retrieved 23 June 2013.
  9. ^ "England's matches: unofficial 1946 onwards". England Football Online. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  10. ^ "Glorious Tahiti claim maiden Oceania crown". FIFA.com. FIFA. 10 June 2012. Archived from the original on 15 June 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2012.
  11. ^ "Proud Tahiti No1 aims to enjoy Brazil challenge". FIFA.com. FIFA. 14 March 2013. Archived from the original on 17 March 2013. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
  12. ^ "Nigeria 6−1 Tahiti". BBC Sport. BBC. 17 June 2013. Archived from the original on 23 June 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  13. ^ "Spain 10−0 Tahiti". BBC Sport. BBC. 20 June 2013. Archived from the original on 23 June 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  14. ^ "Uruguay 8−0 Tahiti". BBC Sport. BBC. 23 June 2013. Archived from the original on 23 June 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  15. ^ "FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 - Statistics - Teams - Top goals". FIFA.com. FIFA. 1 July 2013. Archived from the original on 22 September 2015. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
  16. ^ "Técnico confirma 'carisma' do Taiti e cumprimenta jornalistas na despedida". UOL Esporte (in Portuguese). 23 June 2013. Archived from the original on 25 June 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  17. ^ "Nada de pancadaria: 'fair play' do Taiti em goleada arranca elogios da Fúria". Globo Esporte (in Portuguese). 21 June 2013. Archived from the original on 24 June 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  18. ^ "Qatar 2022 : Tahiti s'incline 3-1 face à Salomon". TNTV News. TNTV. 24 March 2022. Archived from the original on 24 March 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  19. ^ "New Caledonia". Footballdatabase.eu. Archived from the original on 1 February 2022. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  20. ^ La liste officielle
  21. ^ "Tahiti". National Football Teams.
  22. ^ "FOOTBALL IN TAHITI". 2023.
  23. ^ "2000". YouTube. 24 June 2016.
  24. ^ "2002". 11 July 2002.
  25. ^ "2004". 31 May 2004.
  26. ^ "2007". YouTube. 19 April 2017.
  27. ^ "2012 (OFC Nations Cup edition)". YouTube. June 2012.
  28. ^ "2012".
  29. ^ "2012". 7 September 2012.
  30. ^ "2022 Home".
  31. ^ "2022 Away".
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