Tahiti national football team

The Tahiti men's national football team (French: Équipe de football de Tahiti) represents French Polynesia[3][4][5][6] 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.

This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Tahiti women's national football team.

Tahiti
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Toa Aito (Les guerriers de fer; Iron Warriors)
AssociationTahitian Football Federation
ConfederationOFC (Oceania)
Head coachSamuel Garcia[1]
CaptainTeaonui Tehau
Most capsTeaonui Tehau (35)
Top scorerTeaonui Tehau (24)
Home stadiumStade Pater Te Hono Nui
FIFA codeTAH
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 164 Decrease 2 (21 September 2023)[2]
Highest111 (August 2002)
Lowest196 (April–May 2016)
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
Appearances9 (first in 1973)
Best resultChampions, 2012
FIFA Confederations Cup
Appearances1 (first in 2013)
Best resultGroup stage, 2013

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.[7]

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.[8] 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.[9]

2013 Confederations Cup

By winning the 2012 OFC Nations Cup, Tahiti qualified for the 2013 Confederations Cup, held in Brazil, for the first time.[10] 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.[11] On 20 June, Tahiti lost 10–0 against Spain to equal their largest ever loss against New Zealand nine years earlier.[12] On 23 June 2013, Tahiti was beaten 8–0 by Uruguay.[13]

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.[14] 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.[15] 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.[16]

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.[17]

Team image

Kit sponsorship
Kit lier Period
Germany Adidas2000–2003
Italy Lotto2004–2012
United States Nike2013–2021
Italy Macron2022–

Results and fixtures
See also: Tahiti national football team results (2000–present)

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
20 March Friendly Tahiti  0–2  New Caledonia Pirae, Tahiti
20:00 UTC−10 Report
  • Makalu 69'
  • Rokuad 88'
 Stadium: Stade Pater Te Hono Nui
23 March Friendly Tahiti  2–1  New Caledonia Pirae, Tahiti
  • Tinirauarii 30', 76'
  • Makalu 33'
 Stadium: Stade Pater Te Hono Nui
28 August Friendly Tahiti  9–1  Cook Islands Pirae, Tahiti
20:00 UTC−10
Report
  • Enoka 74'
 Stadium: Stade Pater Te Hono Nui
31 August Friendly Cook Islands  0–3  Tahiti Pirae, Tahiti
20:00 UTC−10 Report
Stadium: Stade Pater Te Hono Nui

Coaching history

Players

Current squad

Players were called up for the friendly matches.[18]

  • Match date: 20 and 23 March 2023
  • Opposition:  New Caledonia
  • Caps and goals correct as of: 23 March 2022, after the match against  New Caledonia.
No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Anapa Debruyne (2003-09-22) 22 September 2003 0 0 French Polynesia Dragon
1GK Moana Pito (2000-01-25) 25 January 2000 0 0 French Polynesia Tefana
1GK Teave Teamotuaitau (1992-04-17) 17 April 1992 9 0 French Polynesia Vénus
2DF Kévin Barbe (1997-09-02) 2 September 1997 8 1 French Polynesia Vénus
2DF Matatia Paama (1992-10-03) 3 October 1992 11 0 French Polynesia Pirae
2DF Hennel Tehaamoana (1999-04-12) 12 April 1999 0 0 Free agent
2DF Tevaihau Tehuritaua (1990-03-04) 4 March 1990 0 0 French Polynesia Dragon
2DF Tevaitini Teumere (2003-04-02) 2 April 2003 0 0 French Polynesia Pirae
2DF Taumihau Tiatia (1991-07-25) 25 July 1991 5 0 French Polynesia Pirae
2DF Teiki Vaea (1995-09-01) 1 September 1995 0 0 French Polynesia Dragon
3MF Heimano Bourebare (1989-05-15) 15 May 1989 28 1 French Polynesia Pirae
3MF Terai Bremond (2001-05-16) 16 May 2001 2 0 French Polynesia Vénus
3MF Louis Gitton (2002-04-02) 2 April 2002 1 0 French Polynesia Pirae
3MF Tehauarii Holozet (2002-06-03) 3 June 2002 0 0 French Polynesia Tefana
3MF Ariiura Labaste (2002-07-26) 26 July 2002 0 0 French Polynesia Pirae
3MF Kavai'ei Morgant (2001-10-08) 8 October 2001 0 0 France Trélissac
3MF Frank Papaura (2001-11-28) 28 November 2001 6 2 Free agent
4FW Benoit Mathon (1989-04-05) 5 April 1989 0 0 French Polynesia Pirae
4FW Manuarii Shan (2004-02-23) 23 February 2004 0 0 French Polynesia Vénus
4FW Sandro Tau (1997-04-30) 30 April 1997 4 1 French Polynesia Pirae
4FW Roonui Tehau (1999-12-15) 15 December 1999 2 0 French Polynesia Vénus
4FW Teaonui Tehau (1992-09-01) 1 September 1992 33 24 French Polynesia Vénus
4FW Roonui Tinirauarii (1997-03-14) 14 March 1997 1 0 French Polynesia Pirae

Recent call-ups

The following players have been called up within the last twelve months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up

Player records
As of 24 March 2023[19]
Players in bold are still active with Tahiti.

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup record FIFA World Cup qualification record
Year Result Position Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
1930 to 1954 did not exist did not exist
1958 to 1990 did not enter did not enter
United States 1994 did not qualify 4 1 1 2 5 8
France 1998 4 0 1 3 2 12
South Korea Japan 2002 4 3 0 1 14 6
Germany 2006 9 3 3 3 7 25
South Africa 2010 4 1 1 2 2 6
Brazil 2014 9 4 0 5 20 17
Russia 2018 7 3 2 2 14 7
Qatar 2022 200214
Canada Mexico United States 2026 to be determined to be determined
Total 0/22 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
Brazil 2013 Group stage8th3003124
Russia 2017 did not qualify
TotalGroup stage1/103003124

OFC Nations Cup
Oceania Cup / OFC Nations Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
New Zealand 1973 Runners-up2nd522174 No qualification
New Caledonia 1980 Runners-up2nd4301239
Pacific Community 1996 Runners-up2nd4202312 3 3 0 0 10 1
Australia 1998 Fourth place4th4103810 4 4 0 0 27 1
French Polynesia 2000 Group stage5th200225 Qualified as host
New Zealand 2002 Third place3rd530289 Qualified automatically
Australia 2004 Group stage5th5113224 4 2 2 0 5 1
Pacific Community 2008 Did not qualify 4 1 1 2 2 6
Solomon Islands 2012 Champions1st5500205 Qualified automatically
Papua New Guinea 2016 Group stage5th312073
2024 To be determined To be determined
Total1 Title9/1037185148081 15 10 3 2 44 9

Head-to-head record
Main article: Tahiti national football team records and statistics

Honours

See also

Notes

    References
    1. "Sélection de Tahiti: Samuel Garcia est le nouvel entreineur". Fedération Tahitienne de Football. FTF. 21 May 2018. Archived from the original on 29 May 2019. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
    2. "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. 21 September 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
    3. "Trophies in paradise". The Football Ramble. 2 October 2012. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
    4. "Tahiti ready for Confederations Cup". The Scotsman. 9 June 2013. Archived from the original on 3 February 2020. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
    5. "IN THE LAND OF GIANTS – Tahiti set for Confederations Cup adventure". Football Republik. 14 June 2013. Archived from the original on 24 November 2021. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
    6. "Tahiti national football team". Road To Brazil. Archived from the original on 5 July 2013. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
    7. "Tahiti International Matches". Rsssf.com. Archived from the original on 9 August 2022. Retrieved 23 June 2013.
    8. "England's matches: unofficial 1946 onwards". England Football Online. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
    9. "Glorious Tahiti claim maiden Oceania crown". FIFA.com. FIFA. 10 June 2012. Archived from the original on 15 June 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2012.
    10. "Proud Tahiti No1 aims to enjoy Brazil challenge". FIFA.com. FIFA. 14 March 2013. Archived from the original on 17 March 2013. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
    11. "Nigeria 6−1 Tahiti". BBC Sport. BBC. 17 June 2013. Archived from the original on 23 June 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
    12. "Spain 10−0 Tahiti". BBC Sport. BBC. 20 June 2013. Archived from the original on 23 June 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
    13. "Uruguay 8−0 Tahiti". BBC Sport. BBC. 23 June 2013. Archived from the original on 23 June 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
    14. "FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 - Statistics - Teams - Top goals". FIFA.com. FIFA. 1 July 2013. Archived from the original on 22 September 2015. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
    15. "Técnico confirma 'carisma' do Taiti e cumprimenta jornalistas na despedida". UOL Esporte (in Portuguese). 23 June 2013. Archived from the original on 25 June 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
    16. "Nada de pancadaria: 'fair play' do Taiti em goleada arranca elogios da Fúria". Globo Esporte (in Portuguese). 21 June 2013. Archived from the original on 24 June 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
    17. "Qatar 2022 : Tahiti s'incline 3-1 face à Salomon". TNTV News. TNTV. 24 March 2022. Archived from the original on 24 March 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
    18. "Convocation des TOA AITO". Fédération tahitienne de football. 14 March 2023. Archived from the original on 21 March 2023. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
    19. "Tahiti". National Football Teams.
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