Tonga national football team facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This page is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Tonga women's national football team.

Quick facts for kids
Tonga

Nickname(s)

Tu’Ulalupe

Association

Tonga Football Association

Confederation

OFC (Oceania)

Head coach

Kilifi Uele

Captain

Hemaloto Polovili

Most caps

Kilifi Uele (26)

Top scorer

Unaloto Feao (7)

Home stadium

Teufaiva Sport Stadium
Tonga Football Association Stadium

FIFA code

TGA

First colours

Second colours

FIFA ranking

Current

204

(7 February 2019)

Highest

163 (October 1998–December 1998)

Lowest

211 (April 2018, July 2019)

Elo ranking

Current

233

(3 March 2019)

Highest

180 (August 1979)

Lowest

235 (September 2019)

First international

Tahiti 8–0 Tonga

(Suva, Fiji; 29 August 1979)

Biggest win

Tonga 7–0 Micronesia

(Nausori, Fiji; 5 July 2003)

Biggest defeat

Tonga 0–22 Australia

(Coffs Harbour, Australia; 9 April 2001)

The Tonga men's national football team is a group of football players who represent Tonga in international matches. They are also known as the Tu’Ulalupe. The team is managed by the Tonga Football Association. This association is part of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC).

All About Football in Tonga

Tonga's Football Achievements

Tonga's biggest football success was winning the first ever Polynesia Cup in 1993. They beat teams from Samoa and the Cook Islands. While local players haven't yet joined big international leagues, a Tongan football leader, Joe Topou, became part of the FIFA Executive Committee in 2002.

In July 2023, Tonga was no longer ranked by FIFA. This happened because they had not played any official matches since July 2019.

Building Football in Tonga: The Goal Project

Tonga is working on a special project called the "Goal project." This project helps to build and improve football facilities. The second Goal project will make the national football academy and the association's main office even better. These buildings are in Atele, Tongatapu.

The goal is to make sure the Tonga Football Association has everything it needs. Local matches will be played at the football academy. The project will also help with things like offices, and needs for players, officials, and fans. The football school will become a "House of Football."

Team Look and Sponsors

Kit Sponsors

The team's uniform supplier has changed over the years.

Kit supplier	Period
Lotto	2007–2013
	2013–2017
Lotto	2018–

Recent Games and Results

You can find more details about Tonga's football matches here: Tonga national football team results.

The Tonga team played several games in 2023 and 2024. In the 2023 Pacific Games, they played against teams like New Caledonia, Cook Islands, Tuvalu, and American Samoa. In 2024, they played in the 2024 OFC Nations Cup qualification and 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches.

Team Coaches Over Time

Here is a list of the coaches who have led the Tonga national football team:

Tongia Nāpa'a (1979)
Rudi Gutendorf (1981)
Umberto Mottini (1997–1998)
Gary Phillips (2001)
Heinave Kaifa (2002–2003)
Milan Janković (2003–2005)
Ben Perry (2005–2006)
Reece McLaughlin (2006–2007)
Chris Williams (2011)
Timote Moleni (2015–2023)
Kilifi Uele (2024–present)

Players of the Team

Current Team Members

These players were chosen for the 2026 World Cup qualification games in September 2024.

The numbers for games played (caps) and goals are correct as of September 9, 2024, after the game against Samoa.

Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
1GK	Semisi ‘Otukolo	(1999-06-23) 23 June 1999 (age 26)	12	0	Veitongo
1GK	Unaloto Pahulu	(2006-10-18) 18 October 2006 (age 18)	0	0	Folaha

2DF	Kulisitofa Kite	(2003-01-17) 17 January 2003 (age 22)	7	1	Veitongo
2DF	Petelo Naniseni	(2003-12-20) 20 December 2003 (age 21)	7	0	Navutoka
2DF	David-John Tuamoheloa	(2004-06-30) 30 June 2004 (age 20)	6	0	Manukau United
2DF	Petelo Manu	(2005-12-19) 19 December 2005 (age 19)	2	0	Marist
2DF	Viliami Tikoipau	(2001-01-07) 7 January 2001 (age 24)	2	1	Manukau United
2DF	Utu'one Lea'aetoa	(2005-02-16) 16 February 2005 (age 20)	1	0	Veitongo

3MF	Fineasi Palei	(1989-05-20) 20 May 1989 (age 36)	12	0	Launceston City
3MF	Christopher Kefu	(2003-02-11) 11 February 2003 (age 22)	6	1	Veitongo
3MF	Ulafala Sonasi	(2007-07-28) 28 July 2007 (age 17)	4	1	Marist
3MF	Topuluka Tuamoheloa		3	0	Lower Hutt_City
3MF	Va'inga Teu	(2006-02-12) 12 February 2006 (age 19)	2	0	Fahefa
3MF	Tomasi Armitage	(2005-05-26) 26 May 2005 (age 20)	1	0	Waikato Unicol
3MF	Hakeai Fonua	(2008-09-01) 1 September 2008 (age 16)	0	0	Ahau
3MF	Herick Funaki	(2003-08-07) 7 August 2003 (age 21)	0	0	Longolongo
3MF	Maikeli Lomu	(1997-10-29) 29 October 1997 (age 27)	0	0	Veitongo

4FW	Hemaloto Polovili	(1997-07-27) 27 July 1997 (age 27)	17	4	Veitongo
4FW	Lisiate Feke	(2004-03-25) 25 March 2004 (age 21)	8	0	Veitongo
4FW	Amoni Fifita	(2004-06-26) 26 June 2004 (age 20)	8	3	Makave
4FW	Vilikisepi Tai	(2006-02-24) 24 February 2006 (age 19)	4	0	Fahefa
4FW	Viliami Tukia	(2001-01-07) 7 January 2001 (age 24)	2	0	Lami
4FW	Ata Inia	(2000-04-25) 25 April 2000 (age 25)	0	0	Chanthaburi

Players Called Up Recently

These players have been called to play for the team in the last year.

Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club	Latest call-up
GK	Nimilote Moala	(2003-07-18) 18 July 2003 (age 21)	1	0	Veitongo	v. Cook Islands; 26 March 2024
GK	Justin Toetu’u		1	0	Longolongo	2023 Pacific Games

DF	Atieli 'Aho	(2007-01-23) 23 January 2007 (age 18)	2	0	Nukuhetulu	v. Samoa; 9 September 2024 ^PRE
DF	Laulea Taufa	(1999-07-14) 14 July 1999 (age 25)	11	0	Veitongo	v. Cook Islands; 26 March 2024
DF	Sione Talia'uli	(2006-05-29) 29 May 2006 (age 19)	2	0	Fasi-Moe-Afi	v. Cook Islands; 26 March 2024
DF	Sione Tu’ifangaloka	(1999-04-24) 24 April 1999 (age 26)	6	0	Veitongo	2023 Pacific Games
DF	Nicolas Vea	(2003-10-31) 31 October 2003 (age 21)	4	0	Navutoka	2023 Pacific Games
DF	Fakaofo Tonga	(2004-10-29) 29 October 2004 (age 20)	3	0	Navutoka	2023 Pacific Games
DF	Ta’u Tupou		1	0	Vava'u	2023 Pacific Games

MF	Kamaliele Papani	(1984-04-08) 8 April 1984 (age 41)	14	0	Veitongo	v. Cook Islands; 26 March 2024
MF	Vai Lutu	(1999-09-30) 30 September 1999 (age 25)	11	0	Veitongo	v. Cook Islands; 26 March 2024
MF	Tuia Falepapalangi	(2000-07-15) 15 July 2000 (age 24)	6	0	Veitongo	v. Cook Islands; 26 March 2024
MF	Mohammed Rajani	(1999-04-19) 19 April 1999 (age 26)	6	1	Rockdale Ilinden	v. Cook Islands; 26 March 2024
MF	Tau’aika Sonasi		5	0	Marist	v. Cook Islands; 26 March 2024
MF	Petueli Tokotaha	(2000-09-10) 10 September 2000 (age 24)	6	2	Navutoka	2023 Pacific Games
MF	Petueli Tokotaha	(2004-03-25) 25 March 2004 (age 21)	3	0	Longolongo	2023 Pacific Games
MF	Taniela Vaka’uta		2	0	Folaha	2023 Pacific Games

DF	Lafaela Moala	(1982-07-22) 22 July 1982 (age 42)	0	0	Unattached	v. Samoa; 9 September 2024 ^PRE
FW	Elias Kendler		4	1	Haʻamoko United Youth	v. Cook Islands; 26 March 2024
FW	Feki Tufi	(2000-04-11) 11 April 2000 (age 25)	2	0	Veitongo	v. Cook Islands; 26 March 2024
FW	William Foliaki		0	0	Unknown	v. Cook Islands; 26 March 2024
FW	Nuku ‘Esau		3	0	Navutoka	2023 Pacific Games

Player Records

Players in bold are still playing for Tonga.

Most Games Played

Rank	Name	Caps	Goals	Career
1	Kilifi Uele	26	3	1996–2017
2	Unaloto Fea'o	17	7	2001–2017
2	Hemaloto Polovili	17	4	2015–present
4	Lafaele Moala	16	1	2003–2015
5	Folio Moeaki	15	0	2004–2015
5	Sione Uhatahi	15	1	2007–2019
7	Siu'a Ma'amaloa	14	1	2001–2004
7	Kamaliele Papani	14	0	2003–present
9	Semisi 'Otukolo	12	0	2017–present
9	Fineasi Palei	12	0	2011–present

Top Goal Scorers

Rank	Name	Goals	Caps	Ratio	Career
1	Unaloto Fea'o	7	17	0.41	2001–2017
2	Lokoua Taufahema	5	7	0.71	2001–2011
3	Hemaloto Polovili	4	17	0.24	2015–present
4	Amone Suli	3	1	3	2002
	Amoni Fifita	3	8	0.38	2023–present
	Mark Uhatahi	3	11	0.27	2003–2015
	Kilifi Uele	3	26	0.12	1996–2017
8	Ma'ake Uhatahi	2	2	1	2009
	Petueli Tokotaha	2	6	0.33	2017–present
	Pio Palu	2	7	0.29	2007–2011
	Timote Moleni	2	8	0.25	1996–2001
	Filisione Taufahema	2	8	0.25	2001–2002

Tournament History

FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest football tournament in the world.

FIFA World Cup										Qualification
Year	Host	Result	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	F	A	Pld	W	D	L	F	A
1930 to 1990		Not member of FIFA								Not member of FIFA
1994	United States	Did not enter								Did not enter
1998	France	Did not qualify								4	2	0	2	3	13
2002	South Korea Japan									4	2	0	2	7	30
2006	Germany									4	1	0	3	2	17
2010	South Africa									4	1	0	3	6	10
2014	Brazil									3	1	1	1	4	4
2018	Russia									3	0	0	3	1	8
2022	Qatar	Withdrew								Withdrew
2026	Canada Mexico United States	Did not qualify								2	1	0	1	4	3
2030	Morocco Portugal Spain	To be determined								To be determined
2034	Saudi Arabia	To be determined								To be determined
Total		—	0/8	–	–	–	–	–	–	24	8	1	15	27	85

OFC Nations Cup

The OFC Nations Cup is the main football tournament for teams in Oceania.

Oceania Cup / OFC Nations Cup record									Qualification record
Year	Result	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
1973	Did not enter								Did not enter
1980	Did not enter								Did not enter
1996	Did not qualify								3	1	1	1	4	4
1998									4	1	1	2	5	9
2000									4	1	0	3	4	15
2002									4	1	0	3	7	18
2004									4	1	0	3	2	17
2008									4	1	0	3	6	10
2012									3	1	1	1	4	4
2016									3	0	0	3	1	8
2024									2	0	0	2	1	5
Total	—	0/11	–	–	–	–	–	–	31	7	3	21	34	90

Pacific Games

The Pacific Games is a multi-sport event for countries in the Pacific region.

Pacific Games record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
1963	Did not enter
1966
1969
1971
1975
1979	Group stage	7th	4	1	0	3	5	20
1983	Group stage	7th	3	1	1	1	6	8
1987	Did not enter
1991
1995
2003	Group stage	7th	4	1	1	2	9	10
2007	Group stage	7th	4	1	0	3	6	10
2011	Did not enter
2015	N/A – tournament was U23
2019	Group stage	11th	4	0	0	4	0	37
2023	Group stage	11th	4	1	0	3	7	13
Total	Group stage	6/16	23	5	2	17	31	98

Pacific Mini Games

The Pacific Mini Games are smaller versions of the Pacific Games.

Pacific Mini Games record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
1981	Did not enter
1993	Group stage	7th	3	0	0	3	0	19
2017	Sixth place	6th	5	0	0	5	5	25
Total	Sixth place	2/3	8	0	0	8	5	44

Polynesia Cup

The Polynesia Cup was a football tournament for Polynesian nations.

Polynesia Cup record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
1994	Runners-up	2nd	3	1	1	1	4	4
1998	Fourth place	4th	4	1	1	2	5	9
2000	Fourth place	4th	4	1	0	3	4	15
Total	Runners-up	3/3	11	3	2	6	13	28

Team Records Against Other Countries

This information is correct up to matches played on September 6, 2024. Tonga national football team results

Awards and Achievements

Regional Awards

Polynesia Cup
- Second Place (1): 1994

Old Team Uniforms

2001 Home	2001 Away	2009 Home	2009 Away	2011 Home	2011 Away	2015 Home	2015 Away

2017 Home	2017 Away	2019 Home	2019 Away	2023 Home	2023 Away

More About Tonga Football

In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Tonga para niños

Tonga national under-23 football team
Tonga national under-20 football team
Tonga national under-17 football team
Tonga women's national football team
Tonga women's national under-20 football team

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