New Caledonia national football team facts for kids
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| Nickname(s) | Les Cagous (The Kagus) | |||
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| Association | Fédération Calédonienne de Football | |||
| Confederation | OFC (Oceania) | |||
| Head coach | Johann Sidaner | |||
| Captain | César Zeoula | |||
| Most caps | Bertrand Kaï César Zeoula (43) |
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| Top scorer | Bertrand Kaï (23) | |||
| Home stadium | Stade Numa-Daly Magenta | |||
| FIFA code | NCL | |||
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| FIFA ranking | ||||
| Current | 154  (7 February 2019) |
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| Highest | 93 (August 2013) | |||
| Lowest | 191 (April–May 2016) | |||
| Elo ranking | ||||
| Current | 153  7 (3 March 2019) |
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| Highest | 56 (5 September 1971) | |||
| Lowest | 175 (July 2002) | |||
| First international | ||||
 New Caledonia 2–0 New Zealand  (Nouméa, New Caledonia; 19 September 1951) |
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| Biggest win | ||||
New Caledonia 18–0 Guam  (Lae, Papua New Guinea; 3 September 1991)  Micronesia 0–18 New Caledonia (Suva, Fiji; 1 July 2003) |
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| Biggest defeat | ||||
 Australia 11–0 New Caledonia (Auckland, New Zealand; 8 July 2002) |
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| OFC Nations Cup | ||||
| Appearances | 6 (first in 1973) | |||
| Best result | Runners-up, 2008 and 2012 | |||
The New Caledonia men's national football team represents New Caledonia in football. They are controlled by the Fédération Calédonienne de Football. Even though they only joined FIFA in 2004, they have played in the OFC Nations Cup since it started.
They are one of the strongest teams in their region. They finished second in the 2008 and 2012 tournaments. They also came in third place in 1973 and 1980. In September 2008, they were ranked 95th in the world by FIFA. This made them only the fourth country from their football area (Oceania) to reach the top 100 teams globally.
Contents
History of New Caledonia Football
The New Caledonian Football Federation was created in 1928. However, it did not join FIFA or the OFC until 2004. They became the 205th member of FIFA.
Before joining FIFA, the New Caledonia team could only play in friendly matches or regional events. These included the Pacific Games and the Oceania Football Cup, where they played as a guest team.
The team, nicknamed the Cagous (after a local bird), did very well in these early competitions. They won the Pacific Games many times. They also finished third in the first two OFC Nations Cup tournaments.
After not qualifying for the 2004 OFC Nations Cup, the Federation hired Didier Chambaron as the new coach. In the 2007 South Pacific Games, the Cagous played well. They beat their rivals Tahiti (1–0). This game was important because it was also a playoff for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. They also won against Tuvalu and the Cook Islands. They tied with Fiji (1–1). New Caledonia finished second in their group. Then, they beat the Solomon Islands (3–2) and won the final against Fiji (1–0).
The Pacific Games football tournament was the first step for World Cup qualification. New Caledonia moved to the second round. There, New Zealand stopped them from getting first place. However, the Cagous still finished second, ahead of Fiji and Vanuatu.
In 2011, New Caledonia won the 2011 Pacific Games. They beat the Solomon Islands 2–0 in the final. This win came after they defeated Tahiti 3–1.
In June 2012, during the Oceania Nations Cup, the Cagous had a big win. They beat New Zealand 2–0 in the semi-finals. But they lost 1–0 to Tahiti in the final. This competition also helped them qualify for the next round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Football Rivalries
New Caledonia has a long-standing football rivalry with Tahiti. Both are French territories in the Pacific. They often play against each other in regional and international games. As of 2018, New Caledonia has won 28 of their 62 matches, while Tahiti has won 25, with 9 draws.
Team Kit
Givova has been the team's kit (uniform) supplier since 2022. The home kit is a grey jersey with red shorts and red socks. The away kit is a red jersey with red shorts and white socks.
| Kit supplier | Period |
|---|---|
 Puma |
2004–2006 |
 Nike |
2010–2012 |
 Erreà |
2013–2017 |
| Kappa |
2017–2019 |
 Select |
2020–2021 |
| Givova |
2022– |
Recent Matches
New Caledonia has played several important matches recently.
2023 Matches
In 2023, the team played in the Pacific Games.
- They won against Tonga 7–0.
- They won against Cook Islands 8–0.
- They won their semi-final against Vanuatu 1–0.
- In the final, they drew 2–2 with Solomon Islands. New Caledonia won the gold medal after a penalty shootout (7–6).
2024 Matches
In 2024, New Caledonia had to withdraw from the OFC Nations Cup due to a serious situation in their country. They played in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches:
- They won against Papua New Guinea 3–1.
- They won against Solomon Islands 3–2.
- They drew against Fiji 1–1.
Player Records
These tables show the players with the most games played and the most goals scored for New Caledonia. Players in bold are still playing for the team.
Most Appearances
| Rank | Name | Caps | Goals | Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bertrand Kaï | 43 | 23 | 2008–2022 |
| César Zeoula | 43 | 13 | 2008–present | |
| 3 | Emile Béaruné | 42 | 0 | 2010–2022 |
| 4 | Joël Wakanumuné | 39 | 1 | 2011–2022 |
| Pierre Wajoka | 39 | 13 | 2003–2011 | |
| 6 | Iamel Kabeu | 34 | 20 | 2002–2013 |
| 7 | Roy Kayara | 31 | 8 | 2008–2019 |
| 8 | Rocky Nyikeine | 29 | 0 | 2011–present |
| 9 | Michel Hmaé | 28 | 22 | 2003–2011 |
| 10 | André Sinédo | 27 | 1 | 2002–2011 |
Top Goalscorers
| Rank | Name | Goals | Caps | Ratio | Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bertrand Kaï | 23 | 43 | 0.53 | 2008–2022 |
| 2 | Michel Hmaé | 22 | 28 | 0.79 | 2003–2011 |
| 3 | Iamel Kabeu | 20 | 34 | 0.59 | 2002–2013 |
| 4 | Georges Gope-Fenepej | 16 | 24 | 0.67 | 2011–present |
| 5 | Pierre Wajoka | 13 | 39 | 0.33 | 2003–2011 |
| César Zeoula | 13 | 43 | 0.3 | 2008–present | |
| 7 | Jean-Philippe Saïko | 12 | 10 | 1.2 | 2016–2022 |
| 8 | Joris Pibke | 11 | 5 | 2.2 | 2000–2002 |
| 9 | Paul Poatinda | 10 | 10 | 1 | 2003–2004 |
| 10 | Jacques Haeko | 9 | 13 | 0.69 | 2011–2012 |
Tournament Records
New Caledonia has played in several important football tournaments.
FIFA World Cup Record
New Caledonia did not qualify for the FIFA World Cup between 1930 and 2002 because they were not a FIFA member yet. Since joining FIFA, they have tried to qualify but have not yet made it to the main tournament.
| FIFA World Cup record | FIFA World Cup qualification record | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
 1930 to   2002 |
Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member | |||||||||||||
| 2006 |
Did not qualify | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 16 | 2 | ||||||||
 2010 |
12 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 22 | 13 | |||||||||
 2014 |
5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 19 | 7 | |||||||||
 2018 |
4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 3 | |||||||||
 2022 |
3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 10 | |||||||||
  2026 |
To be determined | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 4 | ||||||||
   2030 |
To be determined | ||||||||||||||
 2034 |
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| Total | 0/5 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 31 | 15 | 7 | 9 | 75 | 39 | ||
OFC Nations Cup Record
The OFC Nations Cup is the main football competition for teams in Oceania. New Caledonia has done very well in this tournament.
| Oceania Cup / OFC Nations Cup record | Qualification record | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
| 1973 |
Third place | 3rd | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 6 | No qualification | ||||||
| 1980 |
Third place | 3rd | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 14 | 12 | |||||||
| 1996 | Did not qualify | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 9 | ||||||||
| 1998 |
4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 10 | |||||||||
 2000 |
4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 11 | 11 | |||||||||
| 2002 |
Group stage | 8th | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 14 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 25 | 4 | |
| 2004 |
Did not qualify | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 16 | 2 | ||||||||
| 2008 | Runners-up | 2nd | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 12 | 10 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 3 | |
 2012 |
Runners-up | 2nd | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 19 | 7 | Qualified automatically | ||||||
 2016 |
Semi-finals | 3rd | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 3 | |||||||
  2024 |
Qualified but withdrew | ||||||||||||||
| Total | Runners-up | 6/11 | 27 | 12 | 4 | 11 | 65 | 52 | 26 | 13 | 2 | 11 | 71 | 39 | |
Pacific Games Record
The Pacific Games is a multi-sport event for countries in the Pacific region. Football is a popular sport at these games. New Caledonia has won the gold medal many times.
| Pacific Games record | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Host | Round | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | |
| 1963 |  Fiji |
Champions | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3 | |
| 1966 |  New Caledonia |
Runners-up | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 17 | 2 | |
| 1969 |  Papua New Guinea |
Champions | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 20 | 3 | |
| 1971 | Tahiti |
Champions | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 2 | |
| 1975 |  Guam |
Runners-up | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 4 | |
| 1979 |  Fiji |
Fourth place | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 26 | 8 | |
| 1983 |  Samoa |
Third place | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 16 | 11 | |
| 1987 | New Caledonia |
Champions | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 26 | 4 | |
| 1991 |  Papua New Guinea |
Third place | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 13 | 8 | |
| 1995 |  Tahiti |
Group stage | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 19 | 3 | |
| 2003 | Fiji |
Runners-up | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 29 | 3 | |
| 2007 | Samoa |
Champions | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 3 | |
| 2011 |  New Caledonia |
Champions | 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 36 | 3 | |
| 2015 | Papua New Guinea |
See New Caledonia national under-23 football team | |||||||
| 2019 | Samoa |
Runners-up | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 23 | 2 | |
| 2023 |  Solomon Islands |
Champions | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 18 | 2 | |
| Total | 8 Titles | 69 | 52 | 5 | 13 | 268 | 59 | ||
MSG Prime Minister's Cup Record
The MSG Prime Minister's Cup is a football tournament for teams from the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
| MSG Prime Minister's Cup record | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Host | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA |
| 1988 | Solomon Islands |
4th | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 5 |
| 1989 | Fiji |
Runners-up | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 5 |
| 1990 |  Vanuatu |
Runners-up | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 3 |
| 1992 | Vanuatu |
Runners-up | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 |
| 1994 | Solomon Islands |
4th | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 9 |
| 1998 | Vanuatu |
5th | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 10 |
| 2000 | Fiji |
4th | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 11 | 11 |
| 2022 | Vanuatu |
6th | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 2023 |  New Caledonia |
Runners-up | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 2 |
| Total | Runners-up | 32 | 13 | 2 | 17 | 51 | 49 | |
Honours and Achievements
The New Caledonia national football team has won several awards and titles.
Continental Awards
- OFC Nations Cup
- Second place (2): 2008, 2012
- Third place (2): 1973, 1980
Regional Awards
- Pacific Games
- Gold medal (7): 1963, 1969, 1971, 1987, 2007, 2011, 2023
- Silver medal (4): 1966, 1987, 2003, 2019
- Bronze medal (2): 1983, 1991
- Melanesia Cup
- Runner-up (4): 1989, 1990, 1992, 2023
Historical Kits
          1987 Home
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   1998 Home
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  2002 Home
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    2003 Home
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   2003 Away
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    2004 Third
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2006 Home
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 2006 Away
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 2007 Home
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 2007 Away
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 2008 Home
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   2010 Home
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  2011
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 2012 Home
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 2012 Away
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    2016 Home
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   2016 Away
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   2017 Home
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 2019
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2019
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 2019
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 2019
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 2022
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  2022
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   2022
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 2022
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 2022
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