Tahiti national football team facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Tahiti

Nickname(s)	Toa Aito (Les guerriers de fer; Iron Warriors)
Association	Tahitian Football Federation
Confederation	OFC (Oceania)
Head coach	Samuel Garcia
Captain	Teaonui Tehau
Most caps	Teaonui Tehau (39)
Top scorer	Teaonui Tehau (27)
Home stadium	Stade Pater Te Hono Nui
FIFA code	TAH
First colours Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current	157 (7 February 2019)
Highest	111 (August 2002)
Lowest	196 (April–May 2016)
Elo ranking
Current	152 4 (3 March 2019)
Highest	45 (September 1983)
Lowest	167 (September 2011)
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
Appearances	9 (first in 1973)
Best result	Champions, 2012
Confederations Cup
Appearances	1 (first in 2013)
Best result	Group stage, 2013

The Tahiti men's national football team (French: Équipe de football de Tahiti) represents French Polynesia 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.

History

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.

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. 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

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.

2013 Confederations Cup

By winning the 2012 OFC Nations Cup, Tahiti qualified for the 2013 Confederations Cup, held in Brazil, for the first time. 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. On 20 June, Tahiti lost 10–0 against Spain to equal their largest ever loss against New Zealand nine years earlier. On 23 June 2013, Tahiti was beaten 8–0 by Uruguay.

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. 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. 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.

2022 FIFA World Cup qualification (OFC)

After two matches canceled due to COVID-19, the Tahitians have finally returned to the qualifying tournament for the World Cup in Qatar. Unfortunately, the Toa Aito couldn't beat Solomon Islands and finished second in Group A. Solomon Islands led in the score in the 20th minute, the Tahitians came back into the match thanks to Alvin Tehau's equalizer 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.

Rivalries

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 Oceania 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.

Team image

Kit sponsorship

Kit lier	Period
Adidas	2000–2003
Lotto	2004–2012
Nike	2013–2021
Macron	2022–2023
Puma	2024-

Results and fixtures

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

2023

Friendly 20 March	Tahiti	0–2	New Caledonia	Pirae, Tahiti
20:00 UTC−10		https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2023/03/21/world/friendlies/tahiti/federation-caledonienne-de-football/4049478/	Makalu  69' Rokuad  88'	Stadium: Stade Pater Te Hono Nui

Friendly 23 March	Tahiti	2–1	New Caledonia	Pirae, Tahiti
	Tinirauarii  30', 76'		Makalu  33'	Stadium: Stade Pater Te Hono Nui

Friendly 28 August	Tahiti	9–1	Cook Islands	Pirae, Tahiti
20:00 UTC−10	Tau  24' Kaspard  29' Tehau  37' Horoi  42' Paama  52' Keck  55', 87', 89' Gitton  76'	https://tps.ftf.pf/games/15395	Enoka  74'	Stadium: Stade Pater Te Hono Nui

Friendly 31 August	Cook Islands	0–3	Tahiti	Pirae, Tahiti
20:00 UTC−10		https://tps.ftf.pf/games/15398	Keck  24' Kaspard  32' Morgant  45+1'	Stadium: Stade Pater Te Hono Nui

2024

2024 OFC Nations Cup 16 June	Tahiti	v	Samoa	Luganville, Vanuatu
				Stadium: Luganville Soccer Stadium

2024 OFC Nations Cup 19 June	Papua New Guinea	v	Tahiti	Luganville, Vanuatu
				Stadium: Luganville Soccer Stadium

2024 OFC Nations Cup 22 June	Fiji	v	Tahiti	Luganville, Vanuatu
				Stadium: Luganville Soccer Stadium

Coaching history

Players

Current squad

The following players were called up for the 2023 Pacific Games.

Caps and goals correct as of 1 September 2023, after the match against  Cook Islands.

No.	Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
1	1GK	Tevaearai Tamatai	(2001-01-15) 15 January 2001 (age 23)	0	0	Vénus
16	1GK	Teave Teamotuaitau	(1992-04-17) 17 April 1992 (age 32)	11	0	Vénus
23	1GK	Moana Pito	(2000-01-25) 25 January 2000 (age 24)	2	0	Tefana
2	2DF	Mauri Heitaa	(1999-07-31) 31 July 1999 (age 25)	1	0	Vénus
3	2DF	Téva Lossec	(2002-12-03) 3 December 2002 (age 21)	0	0	Campbell Fighting Camels
5	2DF	François Hapipi	(1999-03-10) 10 March 1999 (age 25)	4	0	Tefana
7	2DF	Marama Amau	(1991-01-13) 13 January 1991 (age 33)	10	0	Vénus
18	2DF	Terai Bremond	(2001-05-16) 16 May 2001 (age 23)	4	0	Vénus
19	2DF	Keanu Vernaudon	(2002-10-18) 18 October 2002 (age 22)	0	0	Tefana
4	3MF	Kavai'ei Morgant	(2001-10-08) 8 October 2001 (age 23)	3	1	Tefana
8	3MF	Roonui Tehau	(1999-12-15) 15 December 1999 (age 24)	6	1	Vénus
9	3MF	Tauhiti Keck	(1994-08-01) 1 August 1994 (age 30)	10	6	Vénus
13	3MF	Honoura Maraetefau	(2002-07-27) 27 July 2002 (age 22)	3	0	Tefana
14	3MF	Frank Papaura	(2005-04-06) 6 April 2005 (age 19)	1	0	Pueu
17	3MF	Paolo Hausner	(2002-02-21) 21 February 2002 (age 22)	0	0	FCM Troyes
20	3MF	Eddy Kaspard	(2001-05-27) 27 May 2001 (age 23)	4	2	Tefana
21	3MF	Matéo Degrumelle	(2003-08-22) 22 August 2003 (age 21)	0	0	Le Havre B
6	4FW	Manuarii Shan	(2004-02-23) 23 February 2004 (age 20)	1	0	Vénus
10	4FW	Teaonui Tehau	(1992-09-01) 1 September 1992 (age 32)	36	24	Vénus
11	4FW	Roonui Tinirauarii	(1997-03-14) 14 March 1997 (age 27)	3	2	Dragon
12	4FW	Raimana Tetuanui	(1994-01-01) 1 January 1994 (age 30)	2	0	Pueu
15	4FW	Tauatua Lucas	(1994-11-23) 23 November 1994 (age 29)	2	0	Tefana

Recent call-ups

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	Anapa Debruyne	(2003-09-22) 22 September 2003 (age 21)	0	0	Dragon	v.  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023
DF	Matatia Paama	(1992-10-03) 3 October 1992 (age 32)	15	1	Pirae	v.  Cook Islands; 1 September 2023
DF	Kévin Barbe	(1997-09-02) 2 September 1997 (age 27)	10	1	Vénus	v.  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023
DF	Taumihau Tiatia	(1991-07-25) 25 July 1991 (age 33)	7	0	Pirae	v.  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023
DF	Hennel Tehaamoana	(1999-04-12) 12 April 1999 (age 25)	2	0	Free agent	v.  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023
DF	Tevaitini Teumere	(2003-04-02) 2 April 2003 (age 21)	2	0	Pirae	v.  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023
DF	Tevaihau Tehuritaua	(1990-03-04) 4 March 1990 (age 34)	0	0	Dragon	v.  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023
DF	Teiki Vaea	(1995-09-01) 1 September 1995 (age 29)	0	0	Dragon	v.  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023
MF	Louis Gitton	(2002-04-02) 2 April 2002 (age 22)	5	1	Pirae	v.  Cook Islands; 1 September 2023
MF	Heimano Bourebare	(1989-05-15) 15 May 1989 (age 35)	30	1	Pirae	v.  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023
MF	Tehauarii Holozet	(2002-06-03) 3 June 2002 (age 22)	0	0	Tefana	v.  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023
MF	Ariiura Labaste	(2002-07-26) 26 July 2002 (age 22)	0	0	Pirae	v.  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023
FW	Sandro Tau	(1997-04-30) 30 April 1997 (age 27)	8	2	Pirae	v.  Cook Islands; 1 September 2023
FW	Benoit Mathon	(1989-04-05) 5 April 1989 (age 35)	0	0	Pirae	v.  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023

Player records

Players in bold are still active with Tahiti.

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup											FIFA World Cup qualification
Year	Host	Result	Position	Pld	W	D	L	F	A		Pld	W	D	L	F	A
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

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
2013	Group stage	8th	3	0	0	3	1	24
2017	Did not qualify
Total	Group stage	1/10	3	0	0	3	1	24

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
1973	Runners-up	2nd	5	2	2	1	7	4	Squad		No qualification
1980	Runners-up	2nd	4	3	0	1	23	9	N/A
1996	Runners-up	2nd	4	2	0	2	3	12	Squad		3	3	0	0	10	1
1998	Fourth place	4th	4	1	0	3	8	10	Squad		4	4	0	0	27	1
2000	Group stage	5th	2	0	0	2	2	5	Squad		Qualified as host
2002	Third place	3rd	5	3	0	2	8	9	Squad		Qualified automatically
2004	Group stage	5th	5	1	1	3	2	24	Squad		4	2	2	0	5	1
2008	Did not qualify										4	1	1	2	2	6
2012	Champions	1st	5	5	0	0	20	5	Squad		Qualified automatically
2016	Group stage	5th	3	1	2	0	7	3	Squad
2024	Qualifield
Total	1 Title	9/10	37	18	5	14	80	81	—		15	10	3	2	44	9

Pacific Games Pacific Games record Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA 1963 Third place 3rd 2 1 0 1 19 2 1966 Champions 1st 4 4 0 0 14 3 1969 Runners-up 2nd 5 3 1 1 19 7 1971 Third place 3rd 4 2 1 1 41 5 1975 Champions 1st 5 4 0 1 12 6 1979 Champions 1st 5 5 0 0 33 2 1983 Champions 1st 5 5 0 0 25 2 1987 Runners-up 2nd 5 3 1 1 9 4 1991 Group stage 6th 3 1 0 2 15 5 1995 Champions 1st 6 6 0 0 35 2 2003 Fourth place 4th 6 3 0 3 25 7 2007 Group stage 6th 4 1 1 2 2 6 2011 Third place 3rd 6 3 1 2 28 9 2015 Runners-up 2nd 5 3 1 1 34 4 2019 Group Stage 5th 5 3 0 2 19 6 Total 5 Titles 15/15 70 47 6 17 330 70

Polynesia Cup Polynesia Cup record Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA 1994 Champions 1st 3 3 0 0 10 1 1998 Champions 1st 4 4 0 0 27 1 2000 Champions 1st 4 4 0 0 30 2 Total 3 Titles 3/3 11 11 0 0 67 4

Head-to-head record

Honours

• OFC Nations Cup
  • Champions (1): 2012
  • Runner-up (3): 1973, 1980, 1996
  • Third place (1): 2002
• Pacific Games
  • Champions (5): 1966, 1975, 1979, 1983, 1995

Historical kits

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:

See also

In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Tahití para niños

• Tahiti national rugby union team