Tuvalu national football team facts for kids
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Association | Tuvalu Islands Football Association (TIFA) | ||
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Confederation | OFC (Oceania) | ||
Head coach | Mati Fusi | ||
Most caps | Alopua Petoa Katepu Iosua Sieni (13) |
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Top scorer | Alopua Petoa (11) | ||
Home stadium | Tuvalu Sports Ground | ||
FIFA code | TUV | ||
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Elo ranking | |||
Current | 211 ![]() |
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Highest | 178 (August 1979) | ||
Lowest | 215 (July 2019) | ||
First international | |||
![]() ![]() (Suva, Fiji; 29 August 1979) |
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Biggest win | |||
![]() ![]() (London, England; 9 June 2018) |
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Biggest defeat | |||
![]() ![]() (Suva, Fiji; 29 August 1979) |
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ConIFA World Football Cup | |||
Appearances | 1 (first in 2018) | ||
Best result | Group stage (2018) |
The Tuvalu national football team is the international football team of Tuvalu. Football in Tuvalu is played at the club and international level. The Tuvalu national team draws players from the Tuvalu A-Division and trains at the Tuvalu Sports Ground at Funafuti. The national team competes in the Pacific Games, and is controlled by the Tuvalu Islands Football Association (TIFA), which is an associate member of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) but not a member of FIFA.
Contents
Membership
Tuvalu is a member of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), but not of FIFA. In September 2008, Tuvaluan Prime Minister Apisai Ielemia and the President of the Tuvalu Football Association, Tapugao Falefou, visited the headquarters of FIFA in Zurich, hoping to gain full membership in the organisation. In December 2013, OFC General Secretariat Tai Nicholas named Tuvalu's lack of a regulation pitch as the main factor preventing the country from being accepted into FIFA. The Tuvalu Football Association continues to seek membership of FIFA with the Dutch Support Tuvalu Foundation assisting Tuvalu with the FIFA application and with the development of football in Tuvalu. Since November 2016, Tuvalu has been a member of the Confederation of Independent Football Associations (CONIFA) but, as of 2022, is no longer listed as one of their members.
History
1979 South Pacific Games
The Tuvaluan team, captained by Karl Tili, played three international matches at the 1979 South Pacific Games, with Kokea Malu as the coach. In Tuvalu's first international match, they were defeated by Tahiti 18–0; its worst defeat to this day. However, in their next match, the team recorded a large 5–3 victory against Tonga. The victory against Tonga sent the team to the next round, where Tuvalu was defeated by New Caledonia 10–2. The next game was against Kiribati, which was drawn 3–3; however Tuvalu won the penalty shootout 4–2 to advance to the semi-finals of the consolation tournament for fifth place; in that round Tuvalu was defeated by Guam 7–2, who eventually won sixth place after losing the fifth-place match.
2003 South Pacific Games
In a warm-up match for the 2003 South Pacific Games, Tuvalu played a friendly game against Fiji and were defeated 9–0.
Tuvalu also participated in four games at the 2003 South Pacific Games again held in Fiji, with Tim Jerks as the coach. After defeating Kiribati 3–2 in their opening game, Tuvalu played Fiji again, but were defeated with a more respectable 4–0. In the game against Vanuatu, Tuvalu was narrowly defeated 1–0. In the final game of the tournament against Solomon Islands, the Tuvaluan squad was defeated 4–0. Tuvalu finished fourth out of five in Pool A, above Kiribati.
2007 World Cup and OFC Nations Cup qualifications
In 2007, with Toakai Puapua as the coach, and Petio Semaia as the captain, Tuvalu became the first non FIFA member to participate in an official World Cup qualifying match. The situation arose when the regional governing body used the football competition at the 2007 South Pacific Games, as the first stage of the qualification tournament for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and qualification tournament for the 2008 OFC Nations Cup. In Tuvalu's South Pacific Games debut, they were defeated 16–0 by Fiji. However Tuvalu fought hard in the next match against New Caledonia (who were joint leaders of the competition) and only lost 1–0. Tuvalu then drew 1–1 with Tahiti, with a late equaliser from Viliamu Sekifu. In the last group stage match the Cook Islands, coached by Tim Jerks (who had previously coached Tuvalu), defeated them 4–1. Tuvalu finished last in the group with one point.
2011 Pacific Games
In 2011 the Tuvalu National Football Association signed Dutch coach Foppe de Haan as the coach on a part-time and volunteer basis. De Haan previously coached SC Heerenveen, Ajax Cape Town and the Dutch national U-21 team. De Haan began his tenure with a 3–0 victory over Samoa in a warm-up match for the 2011 Pacific Games, and striker Alopua Petoa scored a hat-trick.
De Haan's second match in charge saw a record 4–0 victory recorded over American Samoa in the first match of their 2011 Pacific Games campaign, with another hat-trick from 19-year-old Alopua Petoa. The third match was not as successful, with the side going down 5–1 to Vanuatu. After losing 8–0 to New Caledonia, and 6–1 to Solomon Islands, the Tuvaluan team drew with Guam 1–1. The squad finished equal with Guam in Pool A with four points, which was the best performance by Tuvalu in an international tournament at the time.
De Haan left his post after the tournament to rejoin Heerenveen's youth programme.
Dutch Support Tuvalu Foundation
The national football team of Tuvalu received support from the Dutch Support Tuvalu Foundation, which is a foundation in the Netherlands.
On 18 August 2013, the Tuvalu national football team went on a three-month tour of the Netherlands. During this tour they played at least 20 friendly matches against local amateur football clubs. Former NAC Breda and De Graafschap coach Leen Looijen was the team's mentor during training in the Netherlands, with the tour organised by the Dutch Support Tuvalu Foundation.
The Tuvalu team and the activities of the Dutch Support Tuvalu Foundation are the focus of Mission Tuvalu (Missie Tuvalu) (2013) a feature documentary directed by Jeroen van den Kroonenberg.
Tuvaluan footballers in New Zealand
Many Tuvaluan footballers have played for clubs in New Zealand. Vaisua Liva and Alopua Petoa joined Waitakere City FC in 2012. Meneua Fakasega and Jerome Funafuti also played for Waitakere City FC. Maalosi Alefaio has played for Te Atatu AFC. Striker Blake Lisk has played for Wellington Phoenix.
CONIFA Membership
In November 2016 Tuvalu became a member of the Confederation of Independent Football Associations (CONIFA). On 7 March 2018 it was announced that Tuvalu would replace Kiribati in the 2018 ConIFA World Football Cup in London. On 9 June 2018, Tuvalu recorded their biggest ever victory in a 6–1 win over the Chagos Islands. Sometime around 2020, Tuvalu would leave CONIFA and they are no longer listed as members of the organisation.
Historical kits
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() 2003 Home
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() 2007 Home
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() 2011 Home
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() 2018 Home
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() 2018 Away
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Sources:
Kit sponsorship
Kit lier | Period |
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2007–2011 |
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2018– |
Manager history
No. | Name | Period |
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1 | ![]() |
1979 |
2 | ![]() |
2003 |
3 | ![]() |
2006–2010 |
4 | ![]() |
2011 |
5 | ![]() |
2013 |
6 | ![]() |
2016–2018 |
7 | ![]() |
2018 |
8 | ![]() |
2019–present |
Players
Current squad
The following players were called up for the 2019 Pacific Games.
Caps and goals updated as of 18 July 2019 after the game against New Caledonia.
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
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1 | GK | Katepu Iosua | 11 May 1988 | 13 | 0 | ![]() |
23 | GK | Teoliga Fakailoga | 12 September 1997 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
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3 | DF | Sakaio Faimalaga | 14 August 1997 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
4 | DF | Meauke Tuilagi | 5 September 1997 | 7 | 0 | ![]() |
5 | DF | Kalamelu Seloto | 24 February 1992 | 6 | 0 | ![]() |
12 | DF | Paolo Taitai | 2 September 1996 | 7 | 0 | ![]() |
13 | DF | Nokisi Kaitu | 2 May 2000 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
16 | DF | Maalosi Alefaio | 19 January 1993 | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
17 | DF | Silimai Siaosi | 14 October 1994 | 6 | 0 | ![]() |
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2 | MF | Paulo Lotonu | 20 March 1996 | 10 | 1 | ![]() |
6 | MF | Tinoga Temate | 18 May 1995 | 3 | 0 | |
7 | MF | Taufaiva Ionatana | 5 February 1993 | 9 | 1 | ![]() |
10 | MF | Afelee Valoa (captain) | 5 July 1990 | 9 | 0 | ![]() |
14 | MF | Sepetaio Nokisi | 11 September 1993 | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
18 | MF | Nika Tima | 7 September 1997 | 0 | 0 | |
19 | MF | Waintau Taaroa | 12 October 1993 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
21 | MF | Hosea Sente | 2 April 2000 | 2 | 0 | |
22 | MF | Fata Filemoni | 2 July 1995 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
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8 | FW | Sosene Vailine | 7 March 1993 | 8 | 3 | ![]() |
9 | FW | Nelesone Musika | 7 May 1997 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
11 | FW | Alopua Petoa | 24 January 1990 | 13 | 11 | ![]() |
15 | FW | Sueni Founuku | 15 June 1994 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
20 | FW | Afelau Kalena | 23 October 1991 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
Player records
- Players in bold are still active with Tuvalu.
Most appearances
Rank | Name | Caps | Goals | Career |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Alopua Petoa | 13 | 11 | 2011–2019 |
Katepu Iosua Sieni | 13 | 0 | 2011–2019 | |
3 | Mau Peninsula | 12 | 0 | 2003–2011 |
4 | Jelly Selau | 10 | 0 | 2007–2019 |
5 | James Lepaio | 9 | 1 | 2011–2019 |
Etimoni Timuani | 9 | 1 | 2011–2019 | |
7 | Joshua Tui Tapasei | 8 | 0 | 2003–2019 |
Sosene Vailine | 8 | 3 | 2017–2019 | |
9 | Paenui Fagota | 7 | 1 | 2003–2007 |
10 | Petio Semaia | 6 | 1 | 2003–2007 |
Lalesi Vaia | 6 | 0 | 2003–2007 | |
Peniuna Kaitu | 6 | 0 | 2003–2007 | |
Ali Takataka | 6 | 0 | 2011–2019 | |
Vaisua Liva | 6 | 0 | 2011–2019 |
Most goals scored
Rank | Name | Goals | Caps | Career |
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1 | Alopua Petoa | 11 | 13 | 2011–2019 |
2 | Saifoloi Metia Tealofi | 5 | — | 1979 |
3 | Matti Uaelesi | 3 | 5 | 2017–2019 |
Sosene Vailine | 3 | 8 | 2017–2019 | |
5 | Okilani Tinilau | 2 | 5 | 2006–2018 |
6 | Lutelu Tiute | 1 | 5 | 2011–2019 |
Togavai Stanley | 1 | 4 | 2011–2019 | |
James Lepaio | 1 | 9 | 2011–2019 | |
Uota Ale | 1 | 2 | 2011–2019 | |
Etimoni Timuani | 1 | 9 | 2011–2019 | |
Vilamu Sekifu | 1 | 3 | 2007 | |
Petio Semaia | 1 | 6 | 2003–2007 | |
Paenui Fagota | 1 | 7 | 2003–2007 | |
Kivoli Manoa | 1 | 4 | 2003 | |
Paulo Lotonu | 1 | 5 | 2017–2019 | |
Taufaiva Ionatana | 1 | 5 | 2017–2019 |
Player of the year
In 2014 for the first time in history a Tuvaluan Player of the year was chosen. Sepetaio Willie was the first player who received this honor.
Competitive record
OFC Nations Cup
Tuvalu has been affiliated with OFC since 2006, so they can play in the competition.
Oceania Cup / OFC Nations Cup record | Qualification record | |||||||||||||||
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Year | Host | Result | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
1973 to 2004 | Not a member of OFC | Not a member of OFC | ||||||||||||||
2008 | ![]() |
Did not qualify | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 22 | ||||||||
2012 to 2016 | Did not participate | Did not participate | ||||||||||||||
2020 | ![]() |
Cancelled | Cancelled | |||||||||||||
Total | — | 0/10 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 22 |
Pacific Games
Pacific Games record | |||||||||
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Year | Host | Round | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA |
1963 to 1975 | Did not enter | ||||||||
1979 | ![]() |
Quarter-finals | 8th | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 42 |
1983 to 1995 | Did not enter | ||||||||
2003 | ![]() |
Group stage | 8th | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 11 |
2007 | ![]() |
9th | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 22 | |
2011 | ![]() |
7th | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 20 | |
2015 | ![]() |
N/A – tournament was U23 | |||||||
2019 | ![]() |
Group stage | 10th | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 42 |
2023 | ![]() |
To be determined | |||||||
Total | Quarter-finals | 5/16 | 23 | 3 | 4 | 16 | 24 | 137 |
Pacific Mini Games
Pacific Mini Games record | |||||||||
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Year | Host | Round | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA |
1981 to 1993 | Did not enter | ||||||||
2017 | ![]() |
Fourth place | 4th | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 28 |
Total | Fourth place | 1/3 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 28 |
ConIFA World Football Cup
ConIFA World Football Cup record | |||||||||
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Year | Host | Round | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA |
2014 to 2016 | Did not enter | ||||||||
2018 | ![]() |
Group stage | 15th | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 24 |
2020 | ![]() |
Cancelled | |||||||
Total | Group stage | 1/3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 24 |
Head-to-head record
Up to matches played on 18 July 2019.
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1 | +4 | 4 |
2 | ![]() |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 3 |
3 | ![]() |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | −3 | 0 |
4 | ![]() |
5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 47 | −46 | 0 |
5 | ![]() |
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 8 | −5 | 1 |
6 | ![]() |
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 4 |
7 | ![]() |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | −2 | 0 |
8 | ![]() |
5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 32 | −30 | 3 |
9 | ![]() |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8 | −8 | 0 |
10 | ![]() |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 3 |
11 | ![]() |
4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 29 | −28 | 0 |
12 | ![]() |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | −4 | 0 |
13 | ![]() |
3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 26 | −25 | 1 |
14 | ![]() |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | −1 | 0 |
15 | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 6 | +3 | 6 |
16 | ![]() |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | −5 | 0 |
17 | ![]() |
3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 16 | −15 | 0 |
Complete international results
Tuvalu's score is shown first
No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Competition | Tuvalu scorers | Att. | Ref. |
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1 | 30 August 1979 | Buckhurst Park, Suva (N) | ![]() |
0–18 | 1979 South Pacific Games | — | ||
2 | 1 September 1979 | Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori (N) | ![]() |
5–3 | 1979 South Pacific Games | Saifoloi (5) | — | |
3 | 3 September 1979 | Buckhurst Park, Suva (N) | ![]() |
0–11 | 1979 South Pacific Games | — | ||
4 | 5 September 1979 | Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori (N) | ![]() |
3–3 (4–2 p) |
1979 South Pacific Games | Unknown | — | |
5 | 6 September 1979 | Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori (N) | ![]() |
2–7 | 1979 South Pacific Games | Unknown | — | |
6 | 1 May 2003 | Fiji (A) | ![]() |
0–9 | Friendly | — | ||
7 | 30 June 2003 | National Stadium, Suva (N) | ![]() |
3–2 | 2003 South Pacific Games | Manoa, Fagota, Semaia | — | |
8 | 1 July 2003 | National Stadium, Suva (N) | ![]() |
0–4 | 2003 South Pacific Games | 3,000 | ||
9 | 3 July 2003 | National Stadium, Suva (N) | ![]() |
0–1 | 2003 South Pacific Games | 700 | ||
10 | 5 July 2003 | Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori (N) | ![]() |
0–4 | 2003 South Pacific Games | 2,500 | ||
11 | 25 August 2007 | Toleofoa Joseph Blatter Soccer Complex, Apia (N) | ![]() |
0–16 | 2007 South Pacific Games[A] | 200 | ||
12 | 27 August 2007 | Toleofoa Joseph Blatter Soccer Complex, Apia (N) | ![]() |
0–1 | 2007 South Pacific Games[A] | 250 | ||
13 | 29 August 2007 | Toleofoa Joseph Blatter Soccer Complex, Apia (N) | ![]() |
1–1 | 2007 South Pacific Games[A] | Sekifu | 100 | |
14 | 1 September 2007 | Toleofoa Joseph Blatter Soccer Complex, Apia (N) | ![]() |
1–4 | 2007 South Pacific Games[A] | Willis (o.g.) | 200 | |
15 | 22 August 2011 | Fiji (N) | ![]() |
3–0 | Friendly | Petoa (3) | — | |
16 | 27 August 2011 | Stade Rivière Salée, Nouméa (N) | ![]() |
4–0 | 2011 Pacific Games | Petoa (3), Tiute | — | |
17 | 30 August 2011 | Stade Rivière Salée, Nouméa (N) | ![]() |
1–5 | 2011 Pacific Games | Ale | — | |
18 | 1 September 2011 | Stade Rivière Salée, Nouméa (N) | ![]() |
0–8 | 2011 Pacific Games | — | ||
19 | 3 September 2011 | Stade Rivière Salée, Nouméa (N) | ![]() |
1–6 | 2011 Pacific Games | Lepaio | — | |
20 | 5 September 2011 | Stade Rivière Salée, Nouméa (N) | ![]() |
1–1 | 2011 Pacific Games | Stanley | — | |
21 | 2 December 2017 | Port Vila Municipal Stadium, Port Vila (N) | ![]() |
0–8 | 2017 Pacific Mini Games | 1,000 | ||
22 | 5 December 2017 | Korman Stadium, Port Vila (N) | ![]() |
2–1 | 2017 Pacific Mini Games | Ionatana, Petoa | 3,000 | |
23 | 9 December 2017 | Port Vila Municipal Stadium, Port Vila (N) | ![]() |
0–6 | 2017 Pacific Mini Games | 1,500 | ||
24 | 12 December 2017 | Port Vila Municipal Stadium, Port Vila (N) | ![]() |
0–10 | 2017 Pacific Mini Games | 4,000 | ||
25 | 15 December 2017 | Port Vila Municipal Stadium, Port Vila (N) | ![]() |
4–3 | 2017 Pacific Mini Games | Uaelasi, Fahina (o.g.), Petoa, Lotonu | 1,000 | |
26 | 31 May 2018 | Coles Park, Haringey (N) | ![]() |
0–4 | 2018 CONIFA World Football Cup | — | ||
27 | 2 June 2018 | Coles Park, Haringey (N) | ![]() |
0–8 | 2018 CONIFA World Football Cup | — | ||
28 | 3 June 2018 | Coles Park, Haringey (N) | ![]() |
1–3 | 2018 CONIFA World Football Cup | Timuani | — | |
29 | 5 June 2018 | Larges Lane, Bracknell (N) | ![]() |
0–5 | 2018 CONIFA World Football Cup | — | ||
30 | 7 June 2018 | Gander Green Lane, Sutton (N) | ![]() |
3–4 | 2018 CONIFA World Football Cup | Petoa (2), Vailine | — | |
31 | 9 June 2018 | Bedfont Recreation Ground, Bedfont (N) | ![]() |
6–1 | Friendly | Tinilau (2), Uaelasi (2), Oride (o.g.), Vailine | — | |
32 | 8 July 2019 | National Soccer Stadium, Apia (N) | ![]() |
0–13 | 2019 Pacific Games | 300 | ||
33 | 10 July 2019 | National Soccer Stadium, Apia (N) | ![]() |
0–7 | 2019 Pacific Games | 150 | ||
34 | 12 July 2019 | National Soccer Stadium, Apia (N) | ![]() |
1–1 | 2019 Pacific Games | Petoa | 100 | |
35 | 15 July 2019 | National Soccer Stadium, Apia (N) | ![]() |
1–10 | 2019 Pacific Games | Vailine | 250 | |
36 | 18 July 2019 | National Soccer Stadium, Apia (N) | ![]() |
0–11 | 2019 Pacific Games | 100 |
- Notes
See also
In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Tuvalu para niños
- Tuvalu at the Pacific Games
- Tuvalu national under-17 football team
![]() | Joan Baez |
![]() | Gloria E. Anzaldúa |
Vicente T. Ximenes |
![]() | Mario G. Obledo |