Tahiti and Solomon Islands will meet in the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup final on Sunday (NZT), with both chasing a record fifth title.
The final at Aorai Tini Hau in Papeete will also determine Oceania’s representative at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in 2027.
Hosts Tahiti, known as the Tiki Toa, are defending champions and will start as favourites after winning all three round-robin matches.
They beat Solomon Islands 7-4 earlier in the tournament before completing their preliminary programme with a 12-3 demolition of New Caledonia.
Heirauarii Salem scored four goals against New Caledonia, becoming the leading goalscorer in OFC beach soccer history, overtaking Solomon Islands legend James Naka.
Ro’onui Tinirauarii contributed a hat-trick, while Tearii Labaste and captain Heimanu Taiarui were also among the scorers.
Solomon Islands, known as the Bilikiki, secured their final berth with a 7-2 victory against Vanuatu, recovering after conceding an early goal.
Max Fa’ari and Roy Mafane overturned the deficit before Albert Bobby, Apolos Ahua and captain Charlie Otainao extended their advantage.
Remsy Melo completed the scoring with two late goals, ensuring Solomon Islands finished the round-robin stage with two victories.
Sunday’s final continues a rivalry that has dominated Oceania beach soccer for two decades, with both countries having won four continental championships.
Tahiti have won the last three tournaments and remain unbeaten in the competition since 2011.
They have also beaten Solomon Islands in all four previous finals between the countries.
Solomon Islands coach James Naka, who previously held the tournament’s goalscoring record, will be seeking his country’s first title since 2013.
Tahiti player-coach Raimana Li Fung Kuee will aim to maintain his team’s dominance and secure qualification for a ninth FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
Main photo credit: OFC Media / Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.
Fixture
Game to be played on Sunday November 1, 2026
Tahiti v Solomon Islands
Aorai Tini Hau, Papeete, 3pm (NZT)
This story was first published on October 30, 2026.