PNG U15 men’s team for football festival announced

PNG Football Association officially announced the PNG Under 15 Men’s National Team for the upcoming FIFA U15 World Cup and Football Festival in Azerbaijan which starts on the 24th and ends on the 30th.

The team will depart Papua New Guinea on 20th of October and return on the 3rd of November.

According to a statement released by PNG Football Association, the youth tournament provides young footballers with a valuable opportunity to gain international exposure, develop skills, and represent the 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 representations at the international level.

PNG Football Association also stated that the opportunity 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.

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 also extended 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.

PNG U15 Men’s National Team Squad

Team Officials