The road to the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 will enter a decisive phase when five Oceania nations meet in Tonga from 14–18 September 2026.
The Oceania Qualifier will bring together Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga for five days of international competition at the Tonga High School Indoor Stadium. With only two places at next year’s global tournament available, every match will carry significant importance.
The round-robin format means each team will face the other four nations once. At the end of the tournament, the two highest-ranked teams will secure qualification for the Netball World Cup in Sydney.
The event is expected to attract strong interest across the Pacific, with supporters following the results, team selections and qualification permutations throughout the week. Fans can follow the latest developments from the qualification race on Netball.com.
Tonga Looking to Repeat Previous Success
Tonga will enter the tournament with confidence after making history during the previous Oceania qualifying campaign.
Four years ago, the Tongan side completed an unbeaten run to earn its first-ever place in the main draw of a Netball World Cup. That achievement represented a major milestone for the country and demonstrated the progress of netball in the region.
This time, Tonga will have the advantage of playing in front of a home crowd. The support of local fans could prove valuable during a demanding five-day schedule, particularly in close matches where composure and energy may determine the result.
Fiji finished second in the previous qualifier after defeating Samoa 45-43 in a tightly contested match. Both teams will be determined to improve on that campaign, while Tonga will be aiming to repeat its earlier success and secure another appearance on the world stage.
The host nation’s opening match will be against the Cook Islands on 14 September, before Tonga faces Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Samoa in the remaining rounds. The final match of the tournament will see Tonga meet Samoa, potentially creating a decisive contest in the qualification race.
Samoa Chasing Another Pacific Success
Samoa will arrive in Tonga hoping to build on the momentum generated by its impressive 2025 PacificAus Series campaign.
The team produced a memorable performance during that competition, defeating Scotland in the final. However, Samoa will be without Jessie Laga’aia, who was named Most Valuable Player after the victory.
Her absence will create a significant challenge, particularly as Samoa works to establish a new combination of players. The squad will need to adapt quickly and find consistency across the court against opponents with different styles and levels of experience.
Samoa’s schedule begins with a match against Papua New Guinea before games against Fiji, the Cook Islands and Tonga. The final fixture against the hosts could be especially important if both teams remain in contention for one of the two available World Cup places.
With a strong recent record and a squad capable of competing at international level, Samoa will believe it has the talent to challenge for qualification. The key will be maintaining discipline and accuracy throughout the round-robin tournament.
New Era for Fiji Pearls
The Fiji Pearls will begin a new chapter under head coach Michelle Parsons, who was appointed in February.
Parsons takes charge following the passing of former Fiji head coach Unaisi Rokoura in October last year. Her appointment marks an important transition for the team as Fiji prepares for another major qualification campaign.
The Pearls will be able to draw on considerable international experience. Defender Maria Lutua-Rusivakula, 37, has made 84 Test appearances and will provide leadership in the defensive circle. Fellow defender Alisi Naqiri, 36, will also bring valuable experience and composure to the squad.
Fiji finished second at the previous Oceania qualifier and will be determined to secure another World Cup berth. Its campaign begins against the Cook Islands before matches against Samoa, Tonga and Papua New Guinea.
The Fiji-Tonga fixture on 17 September could become one of the tournament’s most important matches. Both teams have previously demonstrated their ability to compete for the top positions, and the result may have a direct impact on the final standings.
Papua New Guinea Looking to Bounce Back
Papua New Guinea will field a youthful squad as it looks to respond to a difficult outing at the recent Spirit Series in Sydney.
The PNG side suffered defeats against the First Nations Black Swans, Singapore and Fiji during the competition. It also lost twice to Fiji, by margins of 29 and 11 goals.
Those results will provide valuable lessons for the young group, but the Oceania Qualifier offers an immediate opportunity to reset. Papua New Guinea will need to improve its defensive structure, reduce errors and maintain concentration against opponents with strong attacking options.
The team opens its campaign against Samoa and then faces Tonga on the second day. Further matches against the Cook Islands and Fiji will complete its schedule.
Papua New Guinea’s youthful squad may benefit from the experience of competing in a high-pressure tournament. Although the team faces a difficult challenge, a strong start could build confidence and place it in contention for one of the two qualification positions.
Cook Islands Target First World Cup Place in 20 Years
The Cook Islands will enter the competition with a major milestone in sight as they chase their first Netball World Cup qualification in two decades.
The team is currently included within the World Netball Rankings system but remains unranked until it reaches the required eight matches during the relevant rankings period. A successful campaign in Tonga could therefore have significance beyond the immediate qualification race.
The Cook Islands will begin against Tonga before facing Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Samoa. Each match will provide an opportunity to test the team against established Pacific opponents and strengthen its international profile.
Supporters can compare the teams’ international standing through the World Netball rankings and match statistics.
For the Cook Islands, qualification would represent a major achievement and a significant moment in the development of the sport. The team will need to remain competitive across all four matches, particularly against Fiji and Samoa, which have recent experience in high-level international competition.
How to Watch the Oceania Qualifier
Fans in Tonga will be able to follow the tournament through TBC, Television Tonga and Radio Tonga.
International supporters will also be able to watch the matches live through NetballPass, giving audiences around the world access to the Oceania qualification battle.
The availability of broadcast coverage will allow supporters, families and netball communities across the Pacific to follow the tournament as the standings develop. With two World Cup places at stake, interest is expected to increase as the final rounds approach.
Oceania Qualifier Squads
Tonga — World Ranking: 7
Players: Luana Aukafolau, Isabella Fainga’anuku, ‘Otolose Fainga’anuku, Lupe Fonua, Emma Mateo, Uneeq Palavi, Marie Payn, Sovika Pousini, Halaevalu Toutaiolepo, Leila Tu’inukuafe, Hulita Veve, Jariah Vuna-Kivalu.
Coach: Jaqua Pori Makea Simpson
Tonga is the highest-ranked team in the tournament and will be under pressure to perform as host nation. Its squad will be expected to combine experience, athleticism and familiarity with local conditions.
Samoa — World Ranking: 13
Players: Kara Adrole, Papi Alaalatoa, Eseta Autagavaia, Rianah Childs, Lata’anga Holi, Piuti Laban, Kristiana Manu’a, Fa’amu Muliaga, Priscilla Rasmussen-Robertson, Rnee Savaiinaea, Mia Swann, Gardenia Treviranus-Asiata.
Non-travelling reserves: Unique Pritchard, Auteletoa Tanimo, Maria Tatupu.
Coach: Natalie Mathews
Samoa will be looking to maintain the form that carried it to success in the 2025 PacificAus Series. The team’s ability to replace key contributors and develop new combinations will be central to its campaign.
Fiji — World Ranking: 16
Players: Elenoa Gukirewa, Jimaima Kete, Abbie Leger, Nina Nakula, Alisi Naqiri, Maliana Rusivakula, Maria Lutua Rusivakula, Leehava Saverio, Teuila Sotutu, Vutaeli Tokaduadua, Malita Vocea, Varaniesese Vula.
Non-travelling reserves: Elizabeth Adrole, Ana Moi, Anatolia Nuku, Nani Waqaira, Naviniya Sivo, Sanimere Tagicakiverata.
Coach: Michelle Parsons
Fiji’s experienced defensive unit will be one of its major strengths. The Pearls will aim to use their international knowledge to manage pressure and secure another World Cup qualification.
Papua New Guinea — World Ranking: 31
Players: Leighvali Albert, Waisame Andrew (c), Kala Ali, Hana Barotto, Kailani Brazier, Tai’le Hampton, Michaela Kadlecek, Boio Peter, Tina Puha, Monique Rousseau, Clera Scot, Lesieli Taviri.
Non-travelling reserves: Lawrin Rikisi, Aiva English, Jemima Mai.
Coach: Lua Rikis
Papua New Guinea’s youthful squad will be seeking improvement after the Spirit Series. Strong performances in Tonga could provide an important foundation for the team’s future.
Cook Islands — Unranked
Players: Lenae Cowan-Marearai, Tia Crombie, Charlize Gabel-Joseph, Alexandra Iro, Sierra Lau’ese, Maine-Crystal Maro, Nicole Marurai, Rahni Samason, Charniah Shepherd, Ngahuia Te-Rure, Rochelle Teiri, Nicol Tiaore.
Non-travelling reserves: Danielle Arona, Genesis Foster-Jonassen, Aphrodite Piri.
Coach: Luciana Nicholas
The Cook Islands will be motivated by the opportunity to return to the Netball World Cup for the first time in 20 years. A competitive tournament could also help the team progress within the international rankings system.
Umpires
The tournament’s umpiring panel will feature Angela Armstrong-Lush, Tania Fink, Jordan Kiss, Tim Marshall, Cory Nicholls and Georgina Sulley-Beales.
Their decisions will be important throughout a tournament expected to feature close contests and intense defensive pressure. Consistency from the officiating team will help ensure that the matches are played fairly and that the focus remains on the athletes.
Oceania Qualifier Schedule
Fans can also keep track of upcoming netball events and competitions as the international qualification campaign continues.
Monday, 14 September
- 4:00pm: Samoa v Papua New Guinea
- 6:15pm: Tonga v Cook Islands
Tuesday, 15 September
- 4:00pm: Cook Islands v Fiji
- 6:15pm: Tonga v Papua New Guinea
Wednesday, 16 September
- 4:00pm: Samoa v Fiji
- 6:15pm: Papua New Guinea v Cook Islands
Thursday, 17 September
- 4:00pm: Tonga v Fiji
- 6:15pm: Samoa v Cook Islands
Friday, 18 September
- 4:00pm: Fiji v Papua New Guinea
- 6:15pm: Tonga v Samoa
Two World Cup Places Up for Grabs
With five nations competing and only two World Cup places available, the Oceania Qualifier is set to deliver a highly competitive week of international netball.
Tonga will be looking to make the most of home-court advantage, while Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands will all have their sights firmly set on Sydney 2027.
The round-robin format leaves little room for error. A single defeat may not end a team’s campaign, but it could make the final matches significantly more difficult. Goal difference, defensive consistency and the ability to perform under pressure may all prove decisive when the final standings are calculated.
For Tonga, qualification would confirm its continued rise in the Pacific. For Fiji and Samoa, it would extend their presence among the world’s leading netball nations. Papua New Guinea will be aiming to turn youth and potential into results, while the Cook Islands will be chasing a historic return to the global stage.
Follow the latest netball news and updates as the Oceania Qualifier unfolds and the road to Sydney 2027 continues.
The results in Tonga will play a major role in determining the next teams to join the growing field for the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027.
