Tahiti National Football Team

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
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Toa Aito (Les guerriers de fer; Iron Warriors)
AssociationTahitian Football Federation
ConfederationOFC (Oceania)
Head coachSamuel Garcia
CaptainTeaonui Tehau
Most capsTeaonui Tehau (39)
Top scorerTeaonui Tehau (27)
Home stadiumStade Pater Te Hono Nui
FIFA codeTAH
Tahiti National Football Team
Tahiti National Football Team
Tahiti National Football Team
Tahiti National Football Team
Tahiti National Football Team
Tahiti National Football Team
Tahiti National Football Team
Tahiti National Football Team
First colours
Tahiti National Football Team
Tahiti National Football Team
Tahiti National Football Team
Tahiti National Football Team
Tahiti National Football Team
Tahiti National Football Team
Tahiti National Football Team
Tahiti National Football Team
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 163 Steady (15 February 2024)
Highest111 (August 2002)
Lowest196 (April–May 2016)
First international
Tahiti National Football Team French Polynesia 2–2 New Zealand Tahiti National Football Team
(Papeete, Tahiti; 21 September 1952)
Biggest win
Tahiti National Football Team Tahiti 30–0 Cook Islands Tahiti National Football Team
(Papeete, Tahiti; 2 September 1971)
Biggest defeat
Tahiti National Football Team New Zealand 10–0 Tahiti Tahiti National Football Team
(Adelaide, Australia; 4 June 2004)
Tahiti National Football Team Spain 10–0 Tahiti Tahiti National Football Team
(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.

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
Tahiti National Football Team  Adidas 2000–2003
Tahiti National Football Team  Lotto 2004–2012
Tahiti National Football Team  Nike 2013–2021
Tahiti National Football Team  Macron 2022–2023
Tahiti National Football Team  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

v Tahiti National Football Team  New Caledonia
20 March Friendly Tahiti Tahiti National Football Team  0–2 Tahiti National Football Team  New Caledonia Pirae, Tahiti
20:00 UTC−10 Report
  • Makalu Tahiti National Football Team  69'
  • Rokuad Tahiti National Football Team  88'
Stadium: Stade Pater Te Hono Nui
v Tahiti National Football Team  New Caledonia
23 March Friendly Tahiti Tahiti National Football Team  2–1 Tahiti National Football Team  New Caledonia Pirae, Tahiti
  • Tinirauarii Tahiti National Football Team  30', 76'
  • Makalu Tahiti National Football Team  33'
Stadium: Stade Pater Te Hono Nui
v Tahiti National Football Team  Cook Islands
28 August Friendly Tahiti Tahiti National Football Team  9–1 Tahiti National Football Team  Cook Islands Pirae, Tahiti
20:00 UTC−10
  • Tau Tahiti National Football Team  24'
  • Kaspard Tahiti National Football Team  29'
  • Tehau Tahiti National Football Team  37'
  • Horoi Tahiti National Football Team  42'
  • Paama Tahiti National Football Team  52'
  • Keck Tahiti National Football Team  55', 87', 89'
  • Gitton Tahiti National Football Team  76'
Report
  • Enoka Tahiti National Football Team  74'
Stadium: Stade Pater Te Hono Nui
v Tahiti National Football Team  Tahiti
31 August Friendly Cook Islands Tahiti National Football Team  0–3 Tahiti National Football Team  Tahiti Pirae, Tahiti
20:00 UTC−10 Report
Stadium: Stade Pater Te Hono Nui

2024

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 Tahiti National Football Team  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 Tahiti National Football Team  Vénus
16 1GK Teave Teamotuaitau (1992-04-17) 17 April 1992 (age 31) 11 0 Tahiti National Football Team  Vénus
23 1GK Moana Pito (2000-01-25) 25 January 2000 (age 24) 2 0 Tahiti National Football Team  Tefana

2 2DF Mauri Heitaa (1999-07-31) 31 July 1999 (age 24) 1 0 Tahiti National Football Team  Vénus
3 2DF Téva Lossec (2002-12-03) 3 December 2002 (age 21) 0 0 Tahiti National Football Team  Campbell Fighting Camels
5 2DF François Hapipi (1999-03-10) 10 March 1999 (age 25) 4 0 Tahiti National Football Team  Tefana
7 2DF Marama Amau (1991-01-13) 13 January 1991 (age 33) 10 0 Tahiti National Football Team  Vénus
18 2DF Terai Bremond (2001-05-16) 16 May 2001 (age 22) 4 0 Tahiti National Football Team  Vénus
19 2DF Keanu Vernaudon (2002-10-18) 18 October 2002 (age 21) 0 0 Tahiti National Football Team  Tefana

4 3MF Kavai'ei Morgant (2001-10-08) 8 October 2001 (age 22) 3 1 Tahiti National Football Team  Tefana
8 3MF Roonui Tehau (1999-12-15) 15 December 1999 (age 24) 6 1 Tahiti National Football Team  Vénus
9 3MF Tauhiti Keck (1994-08-01) 1 August 1994 (age 29) 10 6 Tahiti National Football Team  Vénus
13 3MF Honoura Maraetefau (2002-07-27) 27 July 2002 (age 21) 3 0 Tahiti National Football Team  Tefana
14 3MF Frank Papaura (2005-04-06) 6 April 2005 (age 18) 1 0 Tahiti National Football Team  Pueu
17 3MF Paolo Hausner (2002-02-21) 21 February 2002 (age 22) 0 0 Tahiti National Football Team  FCM Troyes
20 3MF Eddy Kaspard (2001-05-27) 27 May 2001 (age 22) 4 2 Tahiti National Football Team  Tefana
21 3MF Matéo Degrumelle (2003-08-22) 22 August 2003 (age 20) 0 0 Tahiti National Football Team  Le Havre B

6 4FW Manuarii Shan (2004-02-23) 23 February 2004 (age 20) 1 0 Tahiti National Football Team  Vénus
10 4FW Teaonui Tehau (1992-09-01) 1 September 1992 (age 31) 36 24 Tahiti National Football Team  Vénus
11 4FW Roonui Tinirauarii (1997-03-14) 14 March 1997 (age 27) 3 2 Tahiti National Football Team  Dragon
12 4FW Raimana Tetuanui (1994-01-01) 1 January 1994 (age 30) 2 0 Tahiti National Football Team  Pueu
15 4FW Tauatua Lucas (1994-11-23) 23 November 1994 (age 29) 2 0 Tahiti National Football Team  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 20) 0 0 Tahiti National Football Team  Dragon v. Tahiti National Football Team  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023

DF Matatia Paama (1992-10-03) 3 October 1992 (age 31) 15 1 Tahiti National Football Team  Pirae v. Tahiti National Football Team  Cook Islands; 1 September 2023
DF Kévin Barbe (1997-09-02) 2 September 1997 (age 26) 10 1 Tahiti National Football Team  Vénus v. Tahiti National Football Team  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023
DF Taumihau Tiatia (1991-07-25) 25 July 1991 (age 32) 7 0 Tahiti National Football Team  Pirae v. Tahiti National Football Team  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023
DF Hennel Tehaamoana (1999-04-12) 12 April 1999 (age 24) 2 0 Free agent v. Tahiti National Football Team  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023
DF Tevaitini Teumere (2003-04-02) 2 April 2003 (age 20) 2 0 Tahiti National Football Team  Pirae v. Tahiti National Football Team  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023
DF Tevaihau Tehuritaua (1990-03-04) 4 March 1990 (age 34) 0 0 Tahiti National Football Team  Dragon v. Tahiti National Football Team  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023
DF Teiki Vaea (1995-09-01) 1 September 1995 (age 28) 0 0 Tahiti National Football Team  Dragon v. Tahiti National Football Team  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023

MF Louis Gitton (2002-04-02) 2 April 2002 (age 21) 5 1 Tahiti National Football Team  Pirae v. Tahiti National Football Team  Cook Islands; 1 September 2023
MF Heimano Bourebare (1989-05-15) 15 May 1989 (age 34) 30 1 Tahiti National Football Team  Pirae v. Tahiti National Football Team  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023
MF Tehauarii Holozet (2002-06-03) 3 June 2002 (age 21) 0 0 Tahiti National Football Team  Tefana v. Tahiti National Football Team  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023
MF Ariiura Labaste (2002-07-26) 26 July 2002 (age 21) 0 0 Tahiti National Football Team  Pirae v. Tahiti National Football Team  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023

FW Sandro Tau (1997-04-30) 30 April 1997 (age 26) 8 2 Tahiti National Football Team  Pirae v. Tahiti National Football Team  Cook Islands; 1 September 2023
FW Benoit Mathon (1989-04-05) 5 April 1989 (age 34) 0 0 Tahiti National Football Team  Pirae v. Tahiti National Football Team  New Caledonia; 23 March 2023

Player records

    As of 30 November 2023
    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 Tahiti National Football Team  United States Did not qualify 4 1 1 2 5 8
1998 Tahiti National Football Team  France 4 0 1 3 2 12
2002 Tahiti National Football Team  South Korea
Tahiti National Football Team  Japan
4 3 0 1 14 6
2006 Tahiti National Football Team  Germany 9 3 3 3 7 25
2010 Tahiti National Football Team  South Africa 4 1 1 2 2 6
2014 Tahiti National Football Team  Brazil 9 4 0 5 20 17
2018 Tahiti National Football Team  Russia 7 3 2 2 14 7
2022 Tahiti National Football Team  Qatar 2 0 0 2 1 4
2026 Tahiti National Football Team  Canada
Tahiti National Football Team  Mexico
Tahiti National Football Team  United States
To be determined To be determined
2030 Tahiti National Football Team  Morocco
Tahiti National Football Team  Portugal
Tahiti National Football Team  Spain
2034 Tahiti National Football Team  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
Tahiti National Football Team  2013 Group stage 8th 3 0 0 3 1 24
Tahiti National Football Team  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
Tahiti National Football Team  1973 Runners-up 2nd 5 2 2 1 7 4 Squad No qualification
Tahiti National Football Team  1980 Runners-up 2nd 4 3 0 1 23 9
Tahiti National Football Team  1996 Runners-up 2nd 4 2 0 2 3 12 Squad 3 3 0 0 10 1
Tahiti National Football Team  1998 Fourth place 4th 4 1 0 3 8 10 Squad 4 4 0 0 27 1
Tahiti National Football Team  2000 Group stage 5th 2 0 0 2 2 5 Squad Qualified as host
Tahiti National Football Team  2002 Third place 3rd 5 3 0 2 8 9 Squad Qualified automatically
Tahiti National Football Team  2004 Group stage 5th 5 1 1 3 2 24 Squad 4 2 2 0 5 1
Tahiti National Football Team  2008 Did not qualify 4 1 1 2 2 6
Tahiti National Football Team  2012 Champions 1st 5 5 0 0 20 5 Squad Qualified automatically
Tahiti National Football Team  2016 Group stage 5th 3 1 2 0 7 3 Squad
Tahiti National Football Team  2024 Qualifield
Total 1 Title 9/10 37 18 5 14 80 81 15 10 3 2 44 9

Head-to-head record

Honours

See also

Notes

References

Tags:

Tahiti National Football Team HistoryTahiti National Football Team RivalriesTahiti National Football Team Team imageTahiti National Football Team Results and fixturesTahiti National Football Team Coaching historyTahiti National Football Team PlayersTahiti National Football Team Player recordsTahiti National Football Team Competitive recordTahiti National Football Team Head-to-head recordTahiti National Football Team HonoursTahiti National Football Team

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