The Solomon Islands men’s senior national football team has been confirmed to take part in the expanded FIFA Series 2026, following FIFA’s official announcement of hosts and group allocations this week.

The FIFA Series 2026 will feature 48 national teams from around the world, competing in 12 groups of four during the March and April international window. 

FIFA says the series of friendly matches will provide a valuable platform for national teams to gain experience against opposition from different confederations.

Men’s matches will be hosted across eight countries, including Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand and Uzbekistan, while the women’s fixtures will be staged in Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire and Thailand.

Solomon Islands have been drawn into a men’s group alongside Bulgaria, St Kitts and Nevis, and host nation Indonesia.

New Zealand and American Samoa are the other OFC nations confirmed for the men’s competition. 

New Zealand will host Finland, Chile and Cape Verde, while American Samoa will face the US Virgin Islands and Guam and hosts Puerto Rico.

The OFC will also be represented in the women’s competition, with one team yet to be confirmed.

FIFA has also confirmed that all matches will be broadcasted globally, providing increased exposure for participating nations, including Solomon Islands. 

Match schedules are expected to be announced in the coming months.

The FIFA Series 2026 marks the second edition of FIFA’s biennial invitational competition, designed to facilitate cross-continental friendly matches between national teams.

By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR