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Tahiti national football team facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
This page is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Tahiti women's national football team.
Quick facts for kids
Tahiti
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s) Toa Aito (Les guerriers de fer; Iron Warriors)
Association Tahitian Football Federation
Confederation OFC (Oceania)
Head coach Samuel Garcia
Captain Teaonui Tehau
Most caps Teaonui Tehau (49)
Top scorer Teaonui Tehau (31)
Home stadium Stade Pater Te Hono Nui
FIFA code TAH
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 157 Steady (7 February 2019)
Highest 111 (August 2002)
Lowest 196 (April–May 2016)
Elo ranking
Current 152 Increase 4 (3 March 2019)
Highest 45 (September 1983)
Lowest 167 (September 2011)
First international
 French Polynesia 2–2 New Zealand 
(Papeete, Tahiti; 21 September 1952)
Biggest win
 Tahiti 30–0 Cook Islands 
(Papeete, Tahiti; 2 September 1971)
Biggest defeat
 New Zealand 10–0 Tahiti 
(Adelaide, Australia; 4 June 2004)
 Spain 10–0 Tahiti 
(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 20 June 2013)
OFC Nations Cup
Appearances 10 (first in 1973)
Best result Champions (2012)
Coupe de l'Outre-Mer
Appearances 2 (first in 2010)
Best result Sixth place (2012)
Confederations Cup
Appearances 1 (first in 2013)
Best result Group stage (2013)

The Tahiti national football team (also known as Toa Aito, meaning "Iron Warriors") represents French Polynesia in international men's soccer games. The team is managed by the Tahitian Football Federation. Players are chosen from across French Polynesia, including the island of Tahiti. They have been part of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) since 1990.

Tahiti is known as one of the strongest soccer teams in the Pacific Islands. They have a great record at the Pacific Games, winning five gold medals. They were also runners-up three times in the early years of the OFC Nations Cup (in 1973, 1980, and 1996).

In 2012, Tahiti made history by winning the OFC Nations Cup. They were the first team other than Australia or New Zealand to win this title. This big win allowed Tahiti to play in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.

Team History

Tahiti played its first official match on September 21, 1952. They played against New Zealand at home and the game ended in a 2–2 tie. A week later, New Zealand won 5–3. In their third match, Tahiti won 2–0, marking their first victory.

In 1953, Tahiti played three games in New Caledonia against their national team, losing all of them. They then traveled to New Hebrides (now Vanuatu) and won two games against their national team. In 1969, the famous England team, who were World Champions, played an exhibition match against Tahiti and won 4–1. The official Tahitian Football Federation was created in 1989.

Tahiti first tried to qualify for the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States. They played against Australia and the Solomon Islands. Their first game was on July 11, 1992, against the Solomon Islands, ending in a 1–1 draw. Tahiti later lost to Australia twice but beat the Solomon Islands 4–2. Despite their efforts, Tahiti finished second in their group and did not qualify for the World Cup.

Winning the OFC Nations Cup in 2012

In 2012, the 2012 OFC Nations Cup tournament took place in the Solomon Islands. Tahiti competed against teams like New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Fiji. Tahiti reached the final and beat New Caledonia 1–0. Steevy Chong Hue scored the winning goal. This victory made Tahiti the first team besides Australia and New Zealand to win the Oceania championship.

Playing in the 2013 Confederations Cup

Spain-Tahiti, Confederations Cup 2013 (05)
Tahiti players competing against 2010 FIFA World Cup champions Spain.

Because they won the 2012 OFC Nations Cup, Tahiti got to play in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil. This was their first time in such a big tournament. Tahiti is the only team that has played in the Confederations Cup but has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup.

On June 17, 2013, Tahiti lost 6–1 to Nigeria. However, Jonathan Tehau scored a goal for Tahiti with a header, and fans were very excited to see their team score in an international tournament. On June 20, Tahiti lost 10–0 to Spain, which was their biggest loss ever, matching a game against New Zealand nine years earlier. On June 23, 2013, Tahiti lost 8–0 to Uruguay.

Overall, Tahiti let in 24 goals and scored only 1. Even with these tough losses, the people of Brazil cheered for Tahiti in every match because they were the "underdog" team. The coaches and players from Spain also praised Tahiti for their fair play.

World Cup Qualifiers in 2022

After some matches were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tahiti returned to the qualifying tournament for the World Cup in Qatar. The Toa Aito team lost to the Solomon Islands and finished second in their group. Alvin Tehau scored a goal for Tahiti in that game, but they eventually lost 3–1.

Team Rivalries

Tahiti has a long-standing sports rivalry with New Caledonia, another French territory in the Pacific. They often play against each other in regional and international competitions. As of their last match in 2018, New Caledonia has won 28 of their 62 games, while Tahiti has won 25, with 9 draws.

Team Kits

Kit Sponsors

Kit supplier Period
Germany Adidas 2000–2003
Italy Lotto 2004–2012
United States Nike 2013–2021
Italy Macron 2022–2023
Germany Puma 2024–present

Recent Games

See also: Tahiti national football team results (2000–present)

Here are the results of Tahiti's matches from the last year, and any upcoming games.

      Win       Draw       Loss       Fixture

2024 Matches

2025 Matches

Coaching History

  • French Polynesia Freddy Vernaudon (1973)
  • France Richard Van Sam (1980)
  • French Polynesia François Ferez (1992)
  • French Polynesia Bernard Vahirua (1992)
  • Italy French Polynesia Umberto Mottini (1995–1996)
  • French Polynesia Gerard Kautai (1996)
  • France Richard Van Sam (1997)
  • French Polynesia Alain Rousseau (1998)
  • Australia Leon Gardikiotis (1999–2000)
  • France French Polynesia Patrick Jacquemet (2001–2003)
  • French Polynesia Gerard Kautai (2004–2007)
  • French Polynesia Eddy Etaeta (2010–2015)
  • France Ludovic Graugnard (2015–2018)
  • French Polynesia Naea Bennett (2018–2019)
  • French Polynesia Samuel Garcia (2019–present)

Team Players

Current Squad

The players listed below were chosen for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification game against New Caledonia on March 21, 2025.

Caps (games played) and goals are correct as of March 21, 2025, after the match against New Caledonia.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Tevaearai Tamatai (2001-01-15) 15 January 2001 (age 24) 0 0 French Polynesia Vénus
16 1GK Teave Teamotuaitau (1992-04-17) 17 April 1992 (age 33) 21 0 French Polynesia Tefana
23 1GK François Decoret (1999-03-10) 10 March 1999 (age 26) 4 0 French Polynesia Pirae
2 2DF Taumihau Tiatia (1991-07-25) 25 July 1991 (age 33) 13 0 French Polynesia Pirae
3 2DF Matatia Paama (1992-10-03) 3 October 1992 (age 32) 22 1 French Polynesia Pirae
5 2DF Pothin Poma (1997-02-13) 13 February 1997 (age 28) 5 0 French Polynesia Dragon
6 2DF Kévin Barbe (1997-09-02) 2 September 1997 (age 27) 15 1 French Polynesia Vénus
12 2DF Mauri Heitaa (1999-07-31) 31 July 1999 (age 25) 10 0 French Polynesia Vénus
15 2DF François Hapipi (1999-03-10) 10 March 1999 (age 26) 10 0 New Zealand Fencibles United
17 2DF Téva Lossec (2002-12-03) 3 December 2002 (age 22) 13 1 United States Campbell Fighting Camels
21 2DF Matéo Degrumelle (2003-08-22) 22 August 2003 (age 21) 12 3 France Quevilly-Rouen
4 3MF Vahia Tetuaroa (2000-01-05) 5 January 2000 (age 25) 0 0 French Polynesia Vénus
8 3MF Roonui Tehau (1999-12-15) 15 December 1999 (age 25) 12 1 French Polynesia Vénus
13 3MF Frank Papaura (2005-04-06) 6 April 2005 (age 20) 14 0 French Polynesia Pueu
14 3MF Mana Teniau (2005-01-15) 15 January 2005 (age 20) 0 0 French Polynesia Vénus
18 3MF Tauhiti Keck (1994-08-01) 1 August 1994 (age 30) 19 6 French Polynesia Vénus
19 3MF Manoa Flores (2005-11-09) 9 November 2005 (age 19) 0 0 French Polynesia Vénus
20 3MF Victor Snow (1991-10-27) 27 October 1991 (age 33) 3 0 French Polynesia Tefana
22 3MF Manuarii Shan (2004-02-23) 23 February 2004 (age 21) 12 0 French Polynesia Vénus
7 4FW Eddy Kaspard (2001-05-27) 27 May 2001 (age 24) 15 4 French Polynesia Tefana
9 4FW Benoît Mathon (1989-04-05) 5 April 1989 (age 36) 4 2 France Union Saint-Jean
10 4FW Teaonui Tehau (1992-09-01) 1 September 1992 (age 32) 49 31 French Polynesia Vénus

Recent Call-ups

These players have been called to the Tahiti squad in the last year.


Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Rautea Vongue (2000-01-25) 25 January 2000 (age 25) 0 0 Unknown v.  New Zealand, 11 October 2024
DF Rainui Aroita (1994-01-25) 25 January 1994 (age 31) 4 0 French Polynesia Tamarii Faa'a 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup
DF Haumau Tanetoa (2004-11-18) 18 November 2004 (age 20) 3 0 French Polynesia Dragon 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup
MF Alvin Tehau (1989-04-10) 10 April 1989 (age 36) 30 9 French Polynesia Pirae v.  Vanuatu, 18 November 2024
MF Louis Gitton (2002-04-02) 2 April 2002 (age 23) 7 1 French Polynesia Tefana v.  Vanuatu, 18 November 2024
MF Terai Bremond (2001-05-16) 16 May 2001 (age 24) 8 0 French Polynesia Vénus 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup
FW Roonui Tinirauarii (1997-03-14) 14 March 1997 (age 28) 10 5 French Polynesia Dragon 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup
FW Ariiura Labaste (2002-07-26) 26 July 2002 (age 22) 5 0 French Polynesia Pirae 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup

Player Records

Players in bold are still playing for Tahiti.

Most Games Played

Teaonui Tehau
Teaonui Tehau is Tahiti's top goalscorer and has played the most games for the team.
Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Teaonui Tehau 49 31 2011–present
2 Angelo Tchen 34 1 2001–2018
3 Heimano Bourebare 30 1 2010–2023
Alvin Tehau 30 9 2010–present
5 Steevy Chong Hue 28 8 2010–2016
Xavier Samin 28 0 2001–2013
7 Jonathan Tehau 26 5 2011–2017
8 Vincent Simon 25 1 2004–2016
9 Stanley Atani 24 6 2010–2019
Tetahio Auraa 24 1 1996–2008

Top Goal Scorers

Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Teaonui Tehau 31 49 0.63 2011–present
2 Felix Tagawa 14 23 0.61 2000–2004
3 Naea Bennett 12 16 0.75 1996–2010
4 Alvin Tehau 9 30 0.3 2010–present
5 Steevy Chong Hue 8 28 0.29 2010–2016
6 Jean-Loup Rousseau 7 15 0.47 1992–2000
Lorenzo Tehau 7 20 0.35 2010–2017
8 Tauhiti Keck 6 19 0.32 2011–present
Stanley Atani 6 24 0.25 2010–2019
10 Roonui Tinirauarii 5 10 0.5 2022–present
Tamatoa Tetauira 5 11 0.45 2016–2019
Hiro Poroiae 5 12 0.42 2007–2013
Jonathan Tehau 5 26 0.19 2011–2017

Tournament Records

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup Record Qualification Record
Year Host Result Position Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
1930 to 1954 No national team existed No national team existed
1958 to 1990 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
1994  United States Did not qualify 4 1 1 2 5 8
1998  France 4 0 1 3 2 12
2002  South Korea
 Japan		 4 3 0 1 14 6
2006  Germany 9 3 3 3 7 25
2010  South Africa 4 1 1 2 2 6
2014  Brazil 11 6 0 5 22 17
2018  Russia 7 3 2 2 14 7
2022  Qatar 2 0 0 2 1 4
2026  Canada
 Mexico
 United States		 4 2 0 2 5 6
2030  Morocco
 Portugal
 Spain		 To be determined To be determined
2034  Saudi Arabia
Total 0/9 49 19 8 22 72 91

OFC Nations Cup

Main article: Tahiti at the OFC Nations Cup
Oceania Cup / OFC Nations Cup Record Qualification Record
Year Result Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA
New Zealand 1973 Runners-up 2nd 5 2 2 1 7 4 Squad No qualifiers were held
New Caledonia 1980 Runners-up 2nd 4 3 0 1 23 9 Squad
Pacific Community 1996 Runners-up 2nd 4 2 0 2 3 12 Squad 3 3 0 0 10 1
Australia 1998 Fourth place 4th 4 1 0 3 8 10 Squad 4 4 0 0 27 1
French Polynesia 2000 Group stage 5th 2 0 0 2 2 5 Squad 4 4 0 0 30 2
New Zealand 2002 Third place 3rd 5 3 0 2 8 9 Squad Directly qualified
Australia 2004 Group stage 5th 5 1 1 3 2 24 Squad 4 2 2 0 5 1
Pacific Community 2008 Did not qualify 4 1 1 2 2 6
Solomon Islands 2012 Champions 1st 5 5 0 0 20 5 Squad Directly qualified
Papua New Guinea 2016 Group stage 5th 3 1 2 0 7 3 Squad
Fiji Vanuatu 2024 Third place 3rd 5 2 1 2 5 8 Squad
Total 1 Title 10/11 42 20 6 16 85 89 — 19 14 3 2 74 11

FIFA Confederations Cup

FIFA Confederations Cup Record
Year Result Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad
1992 to 1995 No OFC team invited
1997 to 2009 Did not qualify
Brazil 2013 Group stage 8th 3 0 0 3 1 24 Squad
Russia 2017 Did not qualify
Total Group stage 1/10 3 0 0 3 1 24 —

Polynesia Cup

Polynesia Cup Record
Year Result Position Pld W D* L GF GA
Samoa 1994 Champions 1st 3 3 0 0 10 1
Cook Islands 1998 Champions 1st 4 4 0 0 27 1
French Polynesia 2000 Champions 1st 4 4 0 0 30 2
Total 3 Titles 3/3 11 11 0 0 67 4

Pacific Games

Pacific Games Record
Year Result Position Pld W D* L GF GA
Fiji 1963 Bronze medal 3rd 2 1 0 1 19 2
New Caledonia 1966 Gold medal 1st 4 4 0 0 14 3
Papua New Guinea 1969 Silver medal 2nd 5 3 1 1 19 7
French Polynesia 1971 Bronze medal 3rd 4 2 1 1 41 5
Guam 1975 Gold medal 1st 5 4 0 1 12 6
Fiji 1979 Gold medal 1st 5 5 0 0 33 2
Samoa 1983 Gold medal 1st 5 5 0 0 25 2
New Caledonia 1987 Silver medal 2nd 5 3 1 1 9 4
Papua New Guinea 1991 Group stage 6th 3 1 0 2 15 5
French Polynesia 1995 Gold medal 1st 6 6 0 0 35 2
Fiji 2003 Fourth place 4th 6 3 0 3 25 7
Samoa 2007 Group stage 6th 4 1 1 2 2 6
New Caledonia 2011 Bronze medal 3rd 6 3 1 2 28 9
Papua New Guinea 2015 Silver medal 2nd 5 3 1 1 34 4
Samoa 2019 Group stage 5th 5 3 0 2 19 6
Solomon Islands 2023 Group stage 5th 4 3 1 0 9 1
Total 5 Gold medals 16/16 74 50 7 17 339 71

Head-to-Head Records

Main article: Tahiti national football team records and statistics

Team Achievements

Major Competitions

  • OFC Nations Cup
    • Med 1.png Champions (1): 2012
    • Med 2.png Runners-up (3): 1973, 1980, 1996
    • Med 3.png Third place (2): 2002, 2024

Regional Competitions

  • Pacific Games
    • Med 1.png Gold medals (5): 1966, 1975, 1979, 1983, 1995
    • Med 2.png Silver medals (2): 1969, 1987
    • Med 3.png Bronze medals (3): 1963, 1971, 2011
  • Polynesia Cup
    • Med 1.png Champions (3): 1994, 1998, 2000

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Tahití para niños

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