Papua New Guinea national soccer team facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This page is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Papua New Guinea women's national soccer team.

Quick facts for kids
Papua New Guinea

Nickname(s)

Kapuls (Cuscus)

Association

Papua New Guinea Football Association

Confederation

OFC (Oceania)

Head coach

Warren Moon

Captain

Ronald Warisan

Most caps

Emmanuel Simon (38)

Top scorer

Raymond Gunemba (14)

Home stadium

Hubert Murray Stadium

FIFA code

PNG

First colours

Second colours

FIFA ranking

Current

168

(7 February 2019)

Highest

153 (June 2017)

Lowest

206 (October–November 2015)

Elo ranking

Current

178

(3 March 2019)

Highest

134 (1989)

Lowest

188 (2003)

First international

Fiji 3–1 Papua and New Guinea

(Suva, Fiji; 29 August 1963)

Biggest win

Papua New Guinea 20–0 American Samoa

(Nouméa, New Caledonia; 15 December 1987)

Biggest defeat

Malaysia 10–0 Papua New Guinea

(Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia; 20 June 2023)

OFC Nations Cup

Appearances

5 (first in 1980)

Best result

Runners-up (2016)

Medal record


Pacific Games
Bronze	1969 Port Moresby	Team
Bronze	1987 Nouméa	Team
Bronze	2015 Port Moresby	Team

The Papua New Guinea national soccer team is the men's national soccer team of Papua New Guinea and is controlled by the Papua New Guinea Football Association. Its nickname is the Kapuls, which is Tok Pisin for Cuscus.

Papua New Guinea's highest ever FIFA ranking was 153, in June 2017. As of April 2024, the country was ranked 166 out of 211 countries. This was a drop of 1 place from February 2024. Papua New Guinea had previously left the FIFA rankings, having not competed in a match between July 2007 and August 2011. Their matches at the 2015 Pacific Games saw them return to the rankings, and they competed in the 2016 OFC Nations Cup in June 2016; they reached the final, but lost to New Zealand 4–2 on penalties after the score was tied at 0–0 after extra time.

History

1963–1978

The Papuan national team played its first match at the 1963 South Pacific Games, where it fell to Fiji 3-1 and was eliminated. At the 1966 South Pacific Games they reached the third place match but lost to the New Hebrides. Three years later they reached the same stage, and defeated the Fijian team 2-1 to win the bronze medal.

At 1971 South Pacific Games, after losing in the semi-finals to New Caledonia, they were beaten 8-1 by Tahiti in the third place game. Four years later, at the 1975 Games, they were beaten in the group stage by Tahiti and New Caledonia and thus eliminated in the first round.

1979–1995

At the 1979 South Pacific Games they lost in the quarter-finals 3–2 against the Solomon Islands, and in the first phase of the consolation tournament they were beaten 2–0 at the hands of the New Hebrides. The following year they played in the 1980 Oceania Cup, the precursor to the OFC Nations Cup, where despite beating the New Hebrides team, their losses to Australia and New Caledonia left them out at the first phase.

At 1983 South Pacific Games they lost the match for third place against the New Caledonian team. In the 1987 edition they won the bronze medal again by beating Vanuatu 3-1. Even so, in the two subsequent editions, 1991 and 1995, they were eliminated in the first phase.

1996–2012

After an absence in three editions of the OFC Nations Cup, due to the poor results obtained in the Melanesia Cup, they qualified for the 2002 tournament. They were only able to salvage a point in a 0-0 draw against the Solomon Islands and bowed out in the first round. In 2003 South Pacific Games they had a poor performance and in five games only obtained four points.

After not participating in 2007, which served as qualification for the 2008 OFC Nations Cup, they were eliminated in the first phase at 2011 Pacific Games by having worse goal difference than Tahiti, with whom they tied on points. In the 2012 OFC Nations Cup they drew with Fiji and lost to the Solomon Islands and New Zealand, again being eliminated in the group stage.

2013–present

In 2015, Papua New Guinea was designated to host the 2016 OFC Nations Cup. In the group stage, the Papuan team drew 1–1 with New Caledonia, 2–2 against Tahiti and beat Samoa 8–0. After achieving victory in the semi-finals, 2–1 against the Solomon Islands, they lost on penalties to New Zealand in the final after drawing 0–0 in regulation time. On 20 June 2023, Papua New Guinea suffered their worst defeat in their history losing to Malaysia 10–0 at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium.

FIFA Series tournament

In 2024, Papua New Guinea played their first ever tournament outside Oceania where FIFA invited them to the 2024 FIFA Series matches on from 22 to 25 March 2024 held in Colombo where they would face Sri Lanka and Central African Republic.

Kit sponsorship

Kit supplier	Period
Joma	1998–2000

Puma	2007–2010
Nike	2011–2012
Lotto	2013–2015
Adidas	2017–2023
Veto	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

2023 Pacific Games 17 November	Papua New Guinea	3–0	Tuvalu	Honiara, Solomon Islands
12:00				Stadium: Lawson Tama Stadium

2023 Pacific Games 23 November	Vanuatu	1–1	Papua New Guinea	Honiara, Solomon Islands
12:00				Stadium: Lawson Tama Stadium

2023 Pacific Games 27 November	Cook Islands	0–3	Papua New Guinea	Honiara, Solomon Islands
19:00				Stadium: SIFF Academy Field

2023 Pacific Games 30 November	Tahiti	2–0	Papua New Guinea	Honiara, Solomon Islands
19:00				Stadium: SIFF Academy Field

2024

2024 FIFA World Series 22 March	Sri Lanka	0–0	Papua New Guinea	Colombo, Sri Lanka
20:45 UTC+5:30		https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/match-centre/match/506/289392/289393/400017939		Stadium: Colombo Racecourse Attendance: 5,089 Referee: Meshari Ali Al Shammari (Qatar)

2024 FIFA World Series 25 March	Central African Republic	4–0	Papua New Guinea	Colombo, Sri Lanka
15:00 UTC+5:30	Yawanendji-Malipangou 11' Godame 25', 43', 78'	https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/match-centre/match/506/289392/289393/400017941		Stadium: Colombo Racecourse Attendance: 550 Referee: Hettikamkanamge Perera (Sri Lanka)

2024 OFC Nations Cup 16 June	Papua New Guinea	1–5	Fiji	Luganville, Vanuatu
	Semmy 88'		Begg 2' Dunn 43', 52' A. Komolong 55' (o.g.) Krishna 64'	Stadium: Luganville Soccer Stadium Attendance: 1,700 Referee: Calvin Berg (New Zealand)

2024 OFC Nations Cup 19 June	Papua New Guinea	1–1	Tahiti	Luganville, Vanuatu
	Paul 25'		Degrumelle 15'	Stadium: Luganville Soccer Stadium Attendance: 500 Referee: Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh (New Zealand)

2024 OFC Nations Cup 22 June	Samoa	1–2	Papua New Guinea	Luganville, Vanuatu
	Trainor 67'		Semmy 26' Kepo 47'	Stadium: Luganville Soccer Stadium

2026 FIFA World Cup qualification 10 October	New Caledonia	3–1	Papua New Guinea	Suva, Fiji
16:00 UTC+12	Athale 20' (pen.) Gope-Fenepej 45' Haewegene 83'	Report (FIFA) Report (OFC)	Semmy 78'	Stadium: HFC Bank Stadium Attendance: 1,000 Referee: Campbell-Kirk Waugh (New Zealand)

2026 FIFA World Cup qualification 14 November	Papua New Guinea	3–3	Fiji	Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
16:00 UTC+10		https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288319/288320/400018599		Stadium: PNG Football Stadium Attendance: 1,428 Referee: Matthew Conger (New Zealand)

2026 FIFA World Cup qualification 17 November	Papua New Guinea	1–2	Solomon Islands	Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
16:00 UTC+10		https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/520/288319/288320/400018600		Stadium: PNG Football Stadium Attendance: 1,284 Referee: Campbell-Kirk Waugh (New Zealand)

Coaching history

Richard Tamari Nagai (1996–1998)
John Davani (2002)
Steve Cain (2002)
Ludwig Peka (2003–2004)
Marcos Gusmão (2004–2011)
Frank Farina (2011–2013)
Mike Keeney (2013)
Wynton Rufer (2014–2015)
Flemming Serritslev (2015–2018)
Bob Morris (2019–2021)
Marcos Gusmão (2021–2022)
Santiago Marina (2022–2023)
Warren Moon (2023–present)

Players

Current squad

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

Caps and goals correct as of 17 November 2024, after the match against Solomon Islands.

Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
1GK	Dave Tomare	(1997-04-26) 26 April 1997 (age 27)	5	0	Hekari United
1GK	Charles Lepani	(1994-08-20) 20 August 1994 (age 30)	1	0	Lae City
1GK	Christinus Biasu	(1995-06-02) 2 June 1995 (age 29)	0	0	Hekari United

2DF	Daniel Joe	(1990-05-29) 29 May 1990 (age 34)	37	0	Hekari United
2DF	Alwin Komolong	(1994-11-02) 2 November 1994 (age 30)	30	2	Queensland Lions
2DF	Kolu Kepo	(1993-07-15) 15 July 1993 (age 31)	24	3	Hekari United
2DF	Joshua Talau	(1996-04-19) 19 April 1996 (age 28)	9	0	Lae City
2DF	Nathaniel Eddie	unknown	3	0	Hekari United
2DF	Arol Tateng	(1997-04-05) 5 April 1997 (age 27)	2	0	Southern Strikers
2DF	Derek Kimai	unknown	2	0

3MF	Rex Naime	(2003-10-23) 23 October 2003 (age 21)	11	0	Hekari United
3MF	Simon Oberth	(2001-01-01) 1 January 2001 (age 23)	10	0	Hekari United
3MF	Joseph Joe	(2002-06-14) 14 June 2002 (age 22)	7	1	Hekari United
3MF	Solomon Rani	(2002-05-22) 22 May 2002 (age 22)	5	0	Hekari United
3MF	Shane Sakael	(1992-12-31) 31 December 1992 (age 31)	3	0	Hekari United
3MF	Juduh Asar	unknown	2	0
3MF	Ritzoki Tamgol	unknown	2	0	Port Moresby
3MF	Chappy Upaiga	unknown	0	0
3MF	Ethan Mom	unknown	0	0

4FW	Raymond Gunemba	(1986-06-04) 4 June 1986 (age 38)	34	15	Lae City
4FW	Tommy Semmy	(1994-09-30) 30 September 1994 (age 30)	28	11	Melbourne Knights
4FW	Ati Kepo	(1996-01-15) 15 January 1996 (age 28)	24	8	Hekari United
4FW	Logan Biwa	unknown	1	0

Recent call-ups

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

Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club	Latest call-up
GK	Ronald Warisan	(1989-09-20) 20 September 1989 (age 35)	34	0	Lae City	v. New Caledonia, 10 October 2024
GK	Vagi Koniel	(1996-10-26) 26 October 1996 (age 28)	0	0	Southern Strikers	2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup

DF	Godfrey Haro	(1998-06-30) 30 June 1998 (age 26)	12	0	Hekari United	v. New Caledonia, 10 October 2024
DF	Felix Komolong	(1997-03-06) 6 March 1997 (age 27)	25	0	Lae City	2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup
DF	Lennard Atterwell	(2005-11-21) 21 November 2005 (age 19)	0	0	Brisbane Roar	2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup
DF	Raymon Diho	(2007-01-01) 1 January 2007 (age 17)	3	0	North Geelong Warriors	2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup
DF	Philip Steven	(1995-01-19) 19 January 1995 (age 29)	3	0	Port Moresby	2024 FIFA Series
DF	Joseph Waiwai	(2001-03-07) 7 March 2001 (age 23)	0	0	Port Moresby Strikers	2024 FIFA Series
DF	Abel Redenut	(1995-04-17) 17 April 1995 (age 29)	0	0	Hekari United	2023 Pacific Games
DF	Thomas Yagum	(1995-05-21) 21 May 1995 (age 29)	0	0	Lae City	2023 Pacific Games

MF	Emmanuel Simon	(1992-12-25) 25 December 1992 (age 31)	38	4	Lae City	v. New Caledonia, 10 October 2024
MF	Yagi Yasasa	(2000-08-17) 17 August 2000 (age 24)	17	0	Hekari United	v. New Caledonia, 10 October 2024
MF	Kenneth Arah	(1996-01-15) 15 January 1996 (age 28)	5	0	Gulf Komara	v. New Caledonia, 10 October 2024
MF	Bruce Tiampo	(2002-07-25) 25 July 2002 (age 22)	3	0	Lae City	v. New Caledonia, 10 October 2024
MF	Pala Paul	(1999-07-25) 25 July 1999 (age 25)	8	1	Southern Strikers	2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup
MF	Troy Dobbin	(2001-09-24) 24 September 2001 (age 23)	6	0	Queensland Lions	2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup
MF	Lee-Navu Faunt	(2003-05-04) 4 May 2003 (age 21)	5	0	Redlands United	2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup
MF	Jethro Yumange	(2002-03-10) 10 March 2002 (age 22)	3	0	River Light	2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup
MF	Nigel Dabinyaba	(1992-10-26) 26 October 1992 (age 32)	19	11	Hekari United	2024 FIFA Series

FW	Matu Ben	(2004-01-31) 31 January 2004 (age 20)	2	0	Lae City	2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup
FW	Pascal Kundi	(1996-01-15) 15 January 1996 (age 28)	0	0	Port Moresby Strikers	2023 Pacific Games

Player records

Statistics include official FIFA-recognised matches only.

Players in bold are still active with Papua New Guinea.

Most appearances

Rank	Name	Caps	Goals	Career
1	Emmanuel Simon	38	4	2014–present
2	Daniel Joe	36	1	2012–present
3	Ronald Warisan	34	0	2014–present
4	Raymond Gunemba	33	14	2012–present
5	Michael Foster	31	7	2003–2022
6	Alwin Komolong	27	1	2016–present
7	Tommy Semmy	25	9	2014–present
8	Ati Kepo	24	8	2019–present
9	Felix Komolong	23	0	2016–present
10	Koriak Upaiga	22	2	2011–2023

Top goalscorers

Rank	Name	Goals	Caps	Ratio	Career
1	Raymond Gunemba	14	33	0.42	2012–present
2	Reggie Davani	13	17	0.76	2002–2012
3	Nigel Dabinyaba	9	21	0.43	2014–present
3	Tommy Semmy	9	25	0.36	2014–present
5	Ati Kepo	8	24	0.33	2019–present
6	Michael Foster	7	31	0.23	2003–2022
7	Nathaniel Lepani	6	8	0.75	2004–2011
8	Neil Hans	5	8	0.63	2007–2014
	Andrew Lepani	5	12	0.42	2003–2011
	Mauri Wasi	5	14	0.36	2002–2014

Notes

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record									FIFA World Cup qualification record
Year	Result	Position	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pos	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
1930 to 1966	Not a FIFA member								Not a FIFA member
1970 to 1994	Did not enter								Did not enter
1998	Did not qualify								3rd	6	2	1	3	5	13
2002	Did not enter								Did not enter
2006	Did not qualify								3rd	4	2	1	1	17	6
2010	Disqualified								Disqualified
2014	Did not qualify								4th	3	0	1	2	2	4
2018									3rd	9	3	3	3	19	13
2022									3rd	4	2	0	2	5	5
2026									7th	3	0	1	2	5	8
2030	To be determined								To be determined
2034	To be determined								To be determined
Total		0/14								29	9	7	13	53	49

* Although initially listed by FIFA as having entered the 2010 World Cup, PNG did not enter the football tournament at the 2007 South Pacific Games, which was used as the preliminary round of the Oceanian zone qualification tournament.

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
1973	Did not enter									No qualification
1980	Group stage	6th	3	1	0	2	6	22	N/A	No qualification
1996	Did not qualify									4	1	1	2	2	4
1998										4	1	1	2	3	6
2000										4	0	0	4	4	19
2002	Group stage	7th	3	0	1	2	2	12	Squad	4	4	0	0	20	2
2004	Did not qualify									4	2	1	1	17	6
2008	Disqualified									Disqualified
2012	Group stage	7th	3	0	1	2	2	4	Squad	Qualified automatically
2016	Runners-up	2nd	5	2	3	0	13	4	Squad
2024	Group stage	5th	3	1	1	1	4	7	Squad
Total	Runners-up	5/11	17	4	6	7	27	49	—	20	8	3	9	46	37

*Denotes draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

Pacific Games

Pacific Games record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
1963	1st round	5th	1	0	0	1	1	3
1966	Fourth place	4th	4	1	0	3	14	14
1969	Third place	3rd	6	3	1	2	11	10
1971	Fourth place	4th	3	1	1	1	19	11
1975	Group stage	6th	2	0	0	2	3	9
1979	Quarter-finals	5th	3	1	1	1	15	3
1983	Fourth place	4th	4	1	0	3	22	10
1987	Third place	3rd	6	3	2	1	26	4
1991	Group stage	5th	3	1	1	1	3	2
1995	Group stage	6th	3	1	1	1	11	5
2003	Group stage	6th	4	1	1	2	12	7
2007	Disqualified
2011	Group stage	6th	4	2	1	1	22	4
2015	See Papua New Guinea national under-23 team
2019	Fourth place	4th	5	3	1	1	17	3
2023	5th-8th placement	6th	4	2	1	1	7	3
Total	Third place	14/16	52	20	11	30	183	88

MSG Prime Minister's Cup

MSG Prime Minister's Cup record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
1988	Did not enter
1989	Fourth place	4th	4	1	1	2	5	4
1990	Fifth place	5th	4	0	0	4	1	5
1992	Did not enter
1994	Third place	3rd	4	1	1	2	2	4
1998	Fourth place	4th	4	1	1	2	3	6
2000	Fifth place	5th	4	0	0	4	4	19
2022	Champions	1st	4	3	1	0	7	5
2023	Fourth place	4th	3	0	0	3	2	7
Total	Winner	7/9	27	6	4	17	24	50