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New Caledonia national football team facts for kids

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This page is about the men's team. For the women's team, see New Caledonia women's national football team.
Quick facts for kids
New Caledonia
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s) Les Cagous (The Kagus)
Association Fédération Calédonienne de Football
Confederation OFC (Oceania)
Head coach Johann Sidaner
Captain César Zeoula
Most caps Bertrand Kaï
César Zeoula (43)
Top scorer Bertrand Kaï (23)
Home stadium Stade Numa-Daly Magenta
FIFA code NCL
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 154 Steady (7 February 2019)
Highest 93 (August 2013)
Lowest 191 (April–May 2016)
Elo ranking
Current 153 Increase 7 (3 March 2019)
Highest 56 (5 September 1971)
Lowest 175 (July 2002)
First international
 New Caledonia 2–0 New Zealand 
(Nouméa, New Caledonia; 19 September 1951)
Biggest win
 New Caledonia 18–0 Guam 
(Lae, Papua New Guinea; 3 September 1991)
 Micronesia 0–18 New Caledonia 
(Suva, Fiji; 1 July 2003)
Biggest defeat
 Australia 11–0 New Caledonia 
(Auckland, New Zealand; 8 July 2002)
OFC Nations Cup
Appearances 6 (first in 1973)
Best result Runners-up, 2008 and 2012

The New Caledonia men's national football team is the national team of New Caledonia and is controlled by the Fédération Calédonienne de Football. Although they were only admitted to FIFA in 2004, they have been participating in the OFC Nations Cup since its inception. They have been one of this relatively small region's strongest teams, finishing second in 2008 and 2012, and third in 1973 and 1980. They were the top ranked OFC nation at number 95 in September 2008, making them only the fourth country from the confederation to have reached the global top 100.

History

The New Caledonian Football Federation, although created in 1928, did not join FIFA or the OFC until 2004, becoming the 205th member of the former.

Previously the New Caledonian selection, due to the attachment of local institutions to the French Football Federation, could only line up during friendly matches or regional competitions, such as the Pacific Games, as well as the Oceania Football Cup, but only as a guest.

The Cagous distinguished themselves during these competitions, winning the Pacific Games on several occasions, and finishing in third place, during the first two editions of the OFC Nations Cup.

After failing to qualify for the 2004 OFC Nations Cup, the New Caledonian Football Federation hired Didier Chambaron as the team's new coach. During the 2007 South Pacific Games in Apia, the Cagous were placed in group A and won over their great rival Tahiti (1–0), this meeting was the first of the playoffs for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. They then won against Tuvalu and the Cook Islands (1–0) and (3–0). For their last group match, they draw against Fiji (1–1). The New Caledonians finished second in their group, and then beat the Solomon Islands (3–2), then in the final won the trophy against Fiji (1–0).

The Pacific Games football tournament serving as the first qualifying round for the World Cup in South Africa, the team found themselves qualified for the second round, where New Zealand blocked their way by taking first place. The Cagous however finish second in front of Fiji and Vanuatu.

In May 2011, the selection faced Reunion twice in Nouméa, matches counting for the preparation of the games of the islands of the Indian Ocean in the Seychelles of the Reunionese. The New Caledonians lost both matches. However, a few months later, during the 2011 Pacific Games, New Caledonia won in the final against the Solomon Islands, with the score of (2–0), after a victory against Tahiti (3–1).

In June 2012, on the occasion of the Oceania Nations Cup, the Cagous succeeded in beating New Zealand in the semi-finals, with a score of 2–0 (goals from Bertrand Kai and Georges Gope-Fenepej), but failed in the final against their Tahitian rivals (1–0). Nevertheless, the competition serving as a second qualifying round for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, New Caledonia found itself, along with Tahiti and the semi-finalists New Zealand and the Solomon Islands qualified for the next round.

Rivalries

A historical sporting rivalry exists between the two French Pacific overseas collectivities, New Caledonia and Tahiti. 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.

Kit

Givova are the current kit provider for the national team since 2022. As of 2012, the national team's 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
Germany Puma 2004–2006
United States Nike 2010–2012
Italy Erreà 2013–2017
Italy Kappa 2017–2019
Denmark Select 2020–2021
Italy Givova 2022–

Results and fixtures

See also: New Caledonia 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

2024

2025

Coaching history

  • France Guy Elmour (1971–1973)
  • France Jules Hmeune (1977)
  • West Germany Rudi Gutendorf (1981)
  • New Caledonia Jacques Zimako (1995)
  • France Michel Clarque (2002)
  • France Serge Martinengo de Novack (2002–2004)
  • France Didier Chambaron (2007–2010)
  • France Christophe Coursimault (2010–2012)
  • France Alain Moizan (2012–2015)
  • France Thierry Sardo (2015–2021)
  • New Caledonia Dominique Wacalie (2021–2022)
  • France Johann Sidaner (2022–)

Players

Current squad

The following 23 players were called up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification against  Solomon Islands and  Fiji on 14 and 17 November 2024, respectively.

Caps and goals correct as of 10 October 2024, after the match against  Papua New Guinea.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Mickaël Ulile (1997-07-16) 16 July 1997 (age 27) 14 0 New Caledonia Magenta
1GK Thomas Schmidt (1996-06-04) 4 June 1996 (age 28) 5 0 New Caledonia Tiga Sport
1GK Wareen Hlupa (2004-04-16) 16 April 2004 (age 20) 1 0 France Decize
2DF Joseph Athale (1995-07-11) 11 July 1995 (age 29) 15 1 France Olympique Saint-Quentin
2DF Fonzy Ranchain (1994-07-22) 22 July 1994 (age 30) 8 0 New Caledonia Gaïca
2DF Cameron Wadenges (2000-08-05) 5 August 2000 (age 24) 1 0 France Racing Besançon
2DF Alexandre Deplanque (2001-01-02) 2 January 2001 (age 24) 1 0 France Vendée Fontenay
2DF Djibril Tufele (2003-01-25) 25 January 2003 (age 22) 2 0 New Caledonia Lössi
2DF Florian Gope (2004-03-25) 25 March 2004 (age 20) 0 0 New Caledonia Magenta
3MF César Zeoula (1989-08-29) 29 August 1989 (age 35) 41 13 France Chauvigny
3MF Shene Wélépane (1997-12-09) 9 December 1997 (age 27) 18 6 New Caledonia Tiga Sport
3MF Morgan Mathelon (1991-09-12) 12 September 1991 (age 33) 12 0 New Caledonia Tiga Sport
3MF Didier Simane (1996-08-03) 3 August 1996 (age 28) 5 0 France ASPTT Dijon
3MF Mickaël Partodikromo (1996-02-02) 2 February 1996 (age 29) 1 0 France Saint-Sébastien
3MF Jekob Jeno (2000-06-22) 22 June 2000 (age 24) 2 0 Israel Beitar Jerusalem
3MF Pierre Bako (2001-08-09) 9 August 2001 (age 23) 1 0 France Vertou
3MF Yoan Béaruné (2002-03-22) 22 March 2002 (age 22) 0 0 New Caledonia Horizon Patho
4FW Georges Gope-Fenepej (1988-10-23) 23 October 1988 (age 36) 22 16 France Saint-Pryvé Saint-Hilaire
4FW Jean-Jacques Katrawa (1999-08-02) 2 August 1999 (age 25) 8 3 France Sud FC
4FW Gérard Waia (2004-12-22) 22 December 2004 (age 20) 5 1 New Caledonia Tiga Sport
4FW Germain Haewegene (1996-07-13) 13 July 1996 (age 28) 3 1 New Caledonia Magenta
4FW Titouan Richard (2000-12-04) 4 December 2000 (age 24) 3 0 France Olympique Salaise Rhodia
4FW Bryan Ausu (1997-11-25) 25 November 1997 (age 27) 1 0 France Sud FC

Recent call-ups

The following players have also been called up to the New Caledonia squad within the last twelve months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Rocky Nyikeine (1992-05-26) 26 May 1992 (age 32) 29 0 New Caledonia Gaïca v.  Papua New Guinea, 10 October 2024
DF Gabriel Vakoume (1989-02-09) 9 February 1989 (age 36) 3 0 New Caledonia Kunié 2023 Pacific Games
DF William Rokaud (2001-10-03) 3 October 2001 (age 23) 3 1 New Caledonia Magenta 2023 Pacific Games
DF Vincent Vakié (1990-10-20) 20 October 1990 (age 34) 4 0 New Caledonia Kunié 2023 Pacific Games
DF Martin Makam (2001-09-15) 15 September 2001 (age 23) 2 0 New Caledonia Magenta 2023 Pacific Games
DF Josué Wélépane (2000-04-19) 19 April 2000 (age 24) 1 0 New Caledonia Tiga Sport 2023 Pacific Games
DF Gianni Manmieu (1994-08-03) 3 August 1994 (age 30) 2 0 New Caledonia Kunié 2023 Pacific Games
MF Joris Kenon (1998-01-29) 29 January 1998 (age 27) 4 0 France US SPDGL v.  Papua New Guinea, 10 October 2024
MF Jules Omei (2001-07-14) 14 July 2001 (age 23) 6 0 New Caledonia Mont-Dore v.  Papua New Guinea, 10 October 2024
MF Ilhan Iekawe (2002-07-28) 28 July 2002 (age 22) 0 0 New Caledonia Tiga Sport v.  Papua New Guinea, 10 October 2024
MF William Read (2003-01-11) 11 January 2003 (age 22) 3 1 New Caledonia Lössi 2023 Pacific Games
MF Ritchi Iwa (1999-08-31) 31 August 1999 (age 25) 3 0 New Caledonia Païta 2023 Pacific Games
MF Makalu Xowi (1999-04-20) 20 April 1999 (age 25) 4 3 French Polynesia Central Sport 2023 Pacific Games
MF Robert Neoere (1996-04-18) 18 April 1996 (age 28) 3 0 New Caledonia Kunié 2023 Pacific Games
FW Lues Waya (2001-08-01) 1 August 2001 (age 23) 5 7 France Vertou 2023 Pacific Games

Player records

Players in bold are still active with New Caledonia.

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

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record FIFA World Cup qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
Uruguay 1930 to South KoreaJapan 2002 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
Germany 2006 Did not qualify 4 2 1 1 16 2
South Africa 2010 12 7 3 2 22 13
Brazil 2014 5 3 0 2 19 7
Russia 2018 4 1 2 1 9 3
Qatar 2022 3 0 0 3 2 10
Canada Mexico United States 2026 To be determined 3 2 1 0 7 4
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total 0/5 – – – – – – 31 15 7 9 75 39

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 Third place 3rd 5 3 0 2 10 6 No qualification
New Caledonia 1980 Third place 3rd 4 3 0 1 14 12
1996 Did not qualify 4 1 0 3 5 9
Australia 1998 4 0 0 4 4 10
French Polynesia 2000 4 2 0 2 11 11
New Zealand 2002 Group stage 8th 3 0 0 3 1 14 4 3 0 1 25 4
Australia 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
Solomon Islands 2012 Runners-up 2nd 5 3 0 2 19 7 Qualified automatically
Papua New Guinea 2016 Semi-finals 3rd 4 1 2 1 9 3
Fiji Vanuatu 2024 Qualified but withdrew
Total Runners-up 6/11 27 12 4 11 65 52 26 13 2 11 71 39

Pacific Games

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

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

Head-to-head record

Up to matches played on 17 November 2024.

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
1  American Samoa 4 4 0 0 33 0 +33 12
2  Australia 4 0 0 4 1 23 −22 0
3  Bulgaria 1 0 0 1 3 5 −2 0
4  Cook Islands 5 5 0 0 40 0 +40 15
5  Estonia 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
6  Fiji 39 12 6 21 69 76 −7 42
7  Guadeloupe 2 0 1 1 1 5 −4 1
8  Guam 3 3 0 0 37 1 +36 9
9  Malaysia 1 0 0 1 1 2 −1 0
10  Martinique 3 0 1 2 1 7 −6 1
11  Mauritius 1 0 0 1 1 3 −2 0
12  Mayotte 2 1 0 1 3 4 −1 3
13  Micronesia 1 1 0 0 18 0 +18 3
14  New Zealand 33 11 2 20 46 71 −25 35
15  Papua New Guinea 20 14 2 4 55 18 +37 44
16  Réunion 2 0 0 2 3 7 −4 0
17  Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1 1 0 0 16 1 +15 3
18  Samoa 4 4 0 0 29 0 +29 12
19  Solomon Islands 29 15 3 11 58 35 +23 48
20  Tahiti 64 27 14 23 108 78 +30 95
21  Tonga 6 6 0 0 43 2 +41 18
22  Tuvalu 5 4 0 1 32 2 +30 12
23  Vanuatu 40 25 7 8 102 45 +57 82
24  Wallis and Futuna 3 3 0 0 19 1 +18 9
Source: 1951–99 results and 2000–present results
Notes:

Honours

Continental

Regional

  • 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
1998 Home
2002 Home
2003 Home
2003 Away
2004 Third
2006 Home
2006 Away
2007 Home
2007 Away
2008 Home
2010 Home
2011
2012 Home
2012 Away
2016 Home
2016 Away
2017 Home
2019
2019
2019
2019
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022

Sources:

See also

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