“The camp in February will give us a chance to focus on the Fiji-based players, and the camp in Auckland will allow us to include our overseas-based players.
Digicel Fiji football striker Thomas Dunn on the attack against Samoa in the OFC Nations Cup at the HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, on June 19, 2024. Photo: OFC Media
Fiji men’s football coach Rob Sherman has named a 35-member extended squad to prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers in March.
The squad included 12 overseas-based players as the players’ camp from February 9-23 at the Fiji FA Academy in Ba.
Excluded from the squad is captain Roy Krishna who is under injury rehab.
Sherman said the final 23-member squad would be announced to travel to Auckland on March 1 for an extensive preparation camp.
Buildup matches
The Auckland camp will feature build-up matches against Auckland FC and local Premiership clubs.
To further enhance their preparations, the squad will relocate to Wellington on March 12, where they are set to play a high-profile build-up match against Wellington Phoenix.
Sherman emphasised the importance of casting a wide net to ensure the strongest possible squad.
“We’ve extended the squad to make sure we prepare and scrutinise a wide range of players and select the strongest squad possible,” Sherman said.
“The camp in February will give us a chance to focus on the Fiji-based players, and the camp in Auckland will allow us to include our overseas-based players.
“We have a fitness programme running, and we expect all the players to arrive in top condition and ready physically for the major challenge and opportunity ahead.”
The team’s campaign will culminate in a highly anticipated semi-final clash against the All Whites on March 21 at the Sky Stadium in Wellington at 7pm.
Fiji Squad team named;
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