# Vanuatu national football team

The Vanuatu men's national football team (French: équipe du Vanuatu de football) represents Vanuatu in men's international football competitions. The team is governed by the Vanuatu Football Federation, which is currently a member of FIFA and the Oceania Football Confederation.

## History
### Early years (1951–2022)

It was known as the New Hebrides until the New Hebrides became Republic of Vanuatu in 1980. It finished fourth in the OFC Nations Cup in 1973, 2000, and 2002. In the 2004 Oceania Nations Cup, Vanuatu beat New Zealand 4–2, preventing the regional powerhouse from making the final and, consequently, the running for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Vanuatu caused another shock in the 2007 South Pacific Games by knocking out the Solomon Islands for bronze medal and also enable to enter the second stage of qualification for the OFC Nations Cup and consequently a chance with a playoff for the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa. The last time they had won against Solomon Islands was back in 1998 and had since been on the receiving side of many losses save for one draw against them. In July 2008, Vanuatu faced two national teams from the Solomon Islands during the inaugural edition of the Wantok Cup. Vanuatu lost 1–2 to the Solomons' team A, but defeated their team B by two goals to one.

### Recognition of the team efforts (2023–present)

In 2023, Vanuatu was invited for the 2023 Intercontinental Cup tournament held in India which is the team first tournament outside Oceania. In the first match on 9 June 2023, they would face Lebanon but suffered a 3–1 defeat. In the next match, Vanuatu conceded a late goal losing to host India on a narrow 1–0 lost. On 15 June 2023, Vanuatu found themselves with a bright smiles as they would go on to win Mongolia 1–0 thus earning them the 3 points and finishing in third place.

#### FIFA Series tournament

In 2024, FIFA invited Vanuatu to the 2024 FIFA Series tournament held from 21 to 26 March 2024 in Jeddah where they would face Guinea (CAF) and Brunei (AFC). On 21 March, Vanuatu faced their first ever opponent from the Africa continent, Guinea in a 6–0 lost.

### First Oceanian final

Vanuatu progressed to the final of the OFC Nations Cup for the first time in 2024 and finished as runners-up of the tournament on 30 June 2024 after losing to New Zealand with a 3–0 scoreline.

## Team image
### Kit sponsorship

| Kit provider | Period |
| Lotto | 2004–2011 |
| Nike | 2012 |
| Veto | 2013–2016 |
| Pasifika | 2017 |
| Gorilla Sports | 2018–2020 |
| KPI Sports | 2020–2022 |
| Macron | 2022–2023 |
| Lotto | 2022–present |

## 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

### 2024
## Coaching staff

| Position | |
| Head coach | Juliano Schmeling |
| Assistant coach | George Amos |
| Assistant coach | François Sakama |
| Team Manager | Peter Takaro |
| Goalkeeper coach | Jimmy Obed |
| Assistant Goalkeeper coach | Jean Yves Galinie |
| Physio | Albert Lata |

### Coaching history

New Hebrides
* P. Reichert (1973–1987)
Vanuatu
* Terry O'Donnell (1987–1993)
* Saby Natonga (1996)
* Alwyn Job (1998)
* Juan Carlos Buzzetti (2000–2004)
* Joe Szekeres (2004–2007)
* Robert Calvo (2007–2008)
* Willian Malas (2008)
* Jorge Añón (2009)
* Saby Natonga (2011–2012)
* Percy Avock (2012–2015)
* Moise Poida (2015–2017)
* Etienne Mermer (2017–2018)
* Paul Munster (2019)
* Etienne Mermer (2019–2022)
* George Amos (2022)
* Juan Carlos Buzzetti (2022)
* Emerson Alcântara (2022)
* Etienne Mermer (2022–2023)
* Emerson Alcântara (2023–2024)
* Juliano Schmeling (2024–)

## Players
### Current squad

The following 23 players were called up for the PacificAus Sports Football Series in September 2024.
Caps and goals are correct as of 30 June 2024, after the match against New Zealand.
| Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
| 1GK | Massing Kalotang | (2002-08-26) August 26, 2002 (age 22) | 8 | 0 | Erakor Gold Star |
| 1GK | Anthony Quai | | 0 | 0 | Penama |
| 1GK | Dick Sablan | (1996-12-23) December 23, 1996 (age 28) | 0 | 0 | Ifira Black Bird |
| 2DF | Michel Coulon | (1995-12-03) 3 December 1995 (age 29) | 17 | 1 | Mauriki |
| 2DF | Timothy Boulet | (1998-11-29) November 29, 1998 (age 26) | 15 | 0 | Ifira Black Bird |
| 2DF | Selwym Vatu | (1998-06-13) 13 June 1998 (age 26) | 13 | 0 | ABM Galaxy |
| 2DF | Tasso Jeffrey | (1998-08-12) 12 August 1998 (age 26) | 12 | 0 | Western Strikers |
| 2DF | Jacques Wanemut | (1992-02-02) February 2, 1992 (age 33) | 4 | 0 | Ifira Black Bird |
| 2DF | Zidane Maguekon | (2000-06-03) June 3, 2000 (age 24) | 1 | 0 | Classic |
| 2DF | Thomas Salemu | | 0 | 0 | Ifira Black Bird |
| 2DF | Joshua Tokio | (2001-04-04) April 4, 2001 (age 23) | 0 | 0 | Ifira Black Bird |
| 3MF | John Alick | (1991-04-25) 25 April 1991 (age 33) | 25 | 0 | Solomon Warriors |
| 3MF | John Wohale | (1997-07-09) 9 July 1997 (age 27) | 17 | 1 | Ifira Black Bird |
| 3MF | Jared Clark | (1998-01-21) 21 January 1998 (age 27) | 8 | 0 | FK Beograd |
| 3MF | Harry Norman | (2003-12-31) 31 December 2003 (age 21) | 8 | 1 | Exe Green Rovers |
| 3MF | Alick Worworbu | (1997-08-27) 27 August 1997 (age 27) | 4 | 0 | Yatel |
| 4FW | Alex Saniel | (1996-11-08) 8 November 1996 (age 28) | 23 | 1 | Northern Demons |
| 4FW | Johnathan Spokeyjack | (1998-11-13) 13 November 1998 (age 26) | 16 | 2 | Ifira Black Bird |
| 4FW | Godine Tenene | (1998-05-03) 3 May 1998 (age 26) | 16 | 3 | Ifira Black Bird |
| 4FW | Tony Kaltak | (1996-11-05) 5 November 1996 (age 28) | 16 | 15 | Erakor Gold Star |
| 4FW | Jean Kaltak | (1994-08-19) 19 August 1994 (age 30) | 8 | 9 | Erakor Gold Star |
| 4FW | Tonly Kalotang | (1997-05-19) 19 May 1997 (age 27) | 2 | 0 | Ifira Black Bird |
| 4FW | Jordy Tasip | (2000-07-14) 14 July 2000 (age 24) | 0 | 0 | Ifira Black Bird |

### Recent call-ups

The following players have also been called up to the national squad in the last twelve months.
| Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
| GK | James Iamar | (1997-01-25) January 25, 1997 (age 28) | 4 | 0 | Tafea | 2024 OFC Nations Cup |
| GK | Dgen Leo | (2000-08-06) August 6, 2000 (age 24) | 3 | 0 | Classic | 2024 OFC Nations Cup |
| GK | Joshua Willie | (2000-06-13) June 13, 2000 (age 24) | 2 | 0 | ABM Galaxy | 2024 FIFA Series |
| GK | Anthony Taiwia | (1994-09-04) 4 September 1994 (age 30) | 0 | 0 | Ifira Black Bird | 2023 Pacific Games |
| DF | Brian Kaltak | (1993-09-30) 30 September 1993 (age 31) | 30 | 5 | Central Coast Mariners | 2024 OFC Nations Cup |
| DF | Jason Thomas | (1997-01-20) 20 January 1997 (age 28) | 27 | 1 | Erakor Golden Star | 2024 OFC Nations Cup |
| DF | Lency Philip | (1997-06-08) 8 June 1997 (age 27) | 12 | 0 | Classic | 2024 OFC Nations Cup |
| DF | Kerry Iawak | (1996-03-16) 16 March 1996 (age 29) | 5 | 0 | Ifira Black Bird | 2024 OFC Nations Cup |
| DF | Samuel Kaloros | (1989-09-16) 16 September 1989 (age 35) | 4 | 0 | Ifira Black Bird | 2024 FIFA Series |
| DF | Joseph Kalotiti | | 1 | 0 | Pango Green Bird | 2024 FIFA Series |
| DF | Bethuel Ollie | (1997-08-19) 19 August 1997 (age 27) | 2 | 0 | North Efate United | 2023 Pacific Games |
| MF | Bong Kalo | (1997-01-18) 18 January 1997 (age 28) | 27 | 4 | ABM Galaxy | 2024 OFC Nations Cup |
| MF | Claude Aru | (1997-04-25) 25 April 1997 (age 27) | 14 | 1 | North Efate United | 2024 OFC Nations Cup |
| MF | Barry Mansale | (1995-11-01) 1 November 1995 (age 29) | 11 | 1 | Yatel | 2024 OFC Nations Cup |
| MF | Raoul Coulon | (1995-12-03) 3 December 1995 (age 29) | 3 | 0 | Yatel | 2023 Pacific Games |
| MF | Jean Taussi | (1996-07-17) 17 July 1996 (age 28) | 3 | 0 | Ifira Black Bird | 2023 Pacific Games |
| MF | Lee Taiwia | (1995-12-23) 23 December 1995 (age 29) | 0 | 0 | Ifira Black Bird | 2023 Pacific Games |
| FW | Kensi Tangis | (1991-12-19) 19 December 1991 (age 33) | 36 | 9 | ABM Galaxy | 2024 OFC Nations Cup |
| FW | Joe Moses | (2002-05-22) 22 May 2002 (age 22) | 9 | 2 | ABM Galaxy | 2024 OFC Nations Cup |
| FW | Maliwan Thomas | (2005-01-26) 26 January 2005 (age 20) | 1 | 0 | Tafea | 2024 FIFA Series |
| FW | Keshly Joseph | | 0 | 0 | | 2024 FIFA Series |
| FW | Azariah Soromon | (1999-03-01) 1 March 1999 (age 26) | 17 | 7 | Western Strikers | 2023 Pacific Games |

## Player records

    As of 18 November 2024
    Players in bold are still active with Vanuatu.

### Most appearances

| Rank | Name | Caps | Goals | Career |
| 1 | Kensi Tangis | 39 | 9 | 2011–present |
| 2 | Richard Iwai | 34 | 20 | 2000–2011 |
| 3 | Etienne Mermer | 33 | 15 | 1998–2008 |
| 3 | Brian Kaltak | 33 | 5 | 2011–present |
| 5 | Fedy Vava | 30 | 2 | 2000–2012 |
| 5 | Bong Kalo | 30 | 5 | 2015–present |
| 7 | Lexa Bibi | 29 | 2 | 2000–2004 |
| 7 | Seimata Chilia | 29 | 9 | 2000–2011 |
| 9 | Pita David Maki | 28 | 2 | 2000–2008 |
| 9 | John Alick | 28 | 2 | 2017–present |

### Top goalscorers

| Rank | Name | Goals | Caps | Ratio | Career |
| 1 | Richard Iwai | 20 | 34 | 0.59 | 2000–2011 |
| 2 | Tony Kaltack | 15 | 16 | 0.94 | 2016–2019 |
| 2 | Etienne Mermer | 15 | 33 | 0.45 | 1998–2008 |
| 4 | Seule Soromon | 10 | 10 | 1 | 2007–2011 |
| 4 | Azariah Soromon | 10 | 26 | 0.38 | 2017–present |
| 6 | Jean Kaltack | 9 | 8 | 1.13 | 2011–present |
| 6 | Seimata Chilia | 9 | 29 | 0.31 | 2000–2011 |
| 6 | Kensi Tangis | 9 | 39 | 0.23 | 2011–present |
| 9 | Bill Nicholls | 6 | 8 | 0.75 | 2015–2019 |
| 9 | François Sakama | 6 | 12 | 0.5 | 2007–2015 |
| 9 | Robert Tasso | 6 | 12 | 0.5 | 2011–2016 |

## Competitive record
### FIFA World Cup

| FIFA World Cup record | FIFA World Cup record | FIFA World Cup record | FIFA World Cup record | FIFA World Cup record | FIFA World Cup record | FIFA World Cup record | FIFA World Cup record | FIFA World Cup record | FIFA World Cup record | FIFA World Cup qualification record | FIFA World Cup qualification record | FIFA World Cup qualification record | FIFA World Cup qualification record | FIFA World Cup qualification record | FIFA World Cup qualification record |
| Year | Host | Result | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA |
| 1930 to 1986 | 1930 to 1986 | Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member |
| 1990 | Italy | Did not enter | Did not enter | Did not enter | Did not enter | Did not enter | Did not enter | Did not enter | Did not enter | Did not enter | Did not enter | Did not enter | Did not enter | Did not enter | Did not enter |
| 1994 | United States | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 18 |
| 1998 | France | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 2002 | South Korea Japan | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 11 | 21 |
| 2006 | Germany | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | 9 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 21 | 11 |
| 2010 | South Africa | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | 12 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 30 | 19 |
| 2014 | Brazil | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 9 |
| 2018 | Russia | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 8 |
| 2022 | Qatar | Withdrew | Withdrew | Withdrew | Withdrew | Withdrew | Withdrew | Withdrew | Withdrew | Withdrew | Withdrew | Withdrew | Withdrew | Withdrew | Withdrew |
| 2026 | Canada Mexico United States | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 11 |
| 2030 | Morocco Portugal Spain | To be determined | To be determined | To be determined | To be determined | To be determined | To be determined | To be determined | To be determined | To be determined | To be determined | To be determined | To be determined | To be determined | To be determined |
| 2034 | Saudi Arabia | To be determined | To be determined | To be determined | To be determined | To be determined | To be determined | To be determined | To be determined | To be determined | To be determined | To be determined | To be determined | To be determined | To be determined |
| Total | Total | | 0/10 | | | | | | | 40 | 13 | 3 | 24 | 81 | 100 |

### OFC Nations Cup

| Oceania Cup / OFC Nations Cup record | Oceania Cup / OFC Nations Cup record | Oceania Cup / OFC Nations Cup record | Oceania Cup / OFC Nations Cup record | Oceania Cup / OFC Nations Cup record | Oceania Cup / OFC Nations Cup record | Oceania Cup / OFC Nations Cup record | Oceania Cup / OFC Nations Cup record | Oceania Cup / OFC Nations Cup record | Oceania Cup / OFC Nations Cup record | Qualification record | Qualification record | Qualification record | Qualification record | Qualification record | Qualification record |
| Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Squad | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA |
| as New Hebrides |||||||||||||||||
| 1973 | Fourth place | 4th | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 10 | Squad | No qualification | No qualification | No qualification | No qualification | No qualification | No qualification |
| 1980 | Group stage | 7th | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 9 | — | No qualification | No qualification | No qualification | No qualification | No qualification | No qualification |
| as Vanuatu |||||||||||||||||
| 1996 | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 12 |
| 1998 | Group stage | 5th | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 13 | Squad | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 6 |
| 2000 | Fourth place | 4th | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 8 | Squad | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 12 | 7 |
| 2002 | Fourth place | 4th | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 6 | Squad | Qualified automatically | Qualified automatically | Qualified automatically | Qualified automatically | Qualified automatically | Qualified automatically |
| 2004 | Group stage | 6th | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 9 | Squad | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 2 |
| 2008 | Fourth place | 4th | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 13 | Squad | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 25 | 6 |
| 2012 | Group stage | 5th | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 9 | Squad | Qualified automatically | Qualified automatically | Qualified automatically | Qualified automatically | Qualified automatically | Qualified automatically |
| 2016 | Group stage | 7th | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 8 | Squad | Qualified automatically | Qualified automatically | Qualified automatically | Qualified automatically | Qualified automatically | Qualified automatically |
| 2024 | Runners-up | 2nd | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 8 | Squad | Qualified automatically | Qualified automatically | Qualified automatically | Qualified automatically | Qualified automatically | Qualified automatically |
| Total | Runners-up | 10/11 | 40 | 10 | 2 | 28 | 44 | 93 | — | 22 | 11 | 3 | 8 | 66 | 33 |

### Pacific Games

Pacific Games record :
| Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA |
| as New Hebrides |||||||||
| 1963 | Group stage | 6th | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 6 |
| 1966 | Bronze medal | 3rd | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 14 |
| 1969 | Group stage | 5th | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 13 | 13 |
| 1971 | Silver medal | 2nd | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 12 |
| 1975 | Group stage | 5th | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 6 |
| 1979 | Fifth place | 5th | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 19 | 6 |
| as Vanuatu |||||||||
| 1983 | Group stage | 6th | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| 1987 | Fourth place | 4th | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 16 | 13 |
| 1991 | Fourth place | 4th | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 8 |
| 1995 | Fourth place | 4th | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 9 |
| 2003 | Bronze medal | 3rd | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 23 | 3 |
| 2007 | Bronze medal | 3rd | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 25 | 6 |
| 2011 | Group stage | 6th | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 18 | 7 |
| 2015 | See Vanuatu national under-23 football team | See Vanuatu national under-23 football team | See Vanuatu national under-23 football team | See Vanuatu national under-23 football team | See Vanuatu national under-23 football team | See Vanuatu national under-23 football team | See Vanuatu national under-23 football team | See Vanuatu national under-23 football team |
| 2019 | Group stage | 5th | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 25 | 2 |
| 2023 | Semi-finals | 4th | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 6 |
| Total | 15/15 | 0 Titles | 64 | 28 | 10 | 26 | 189 | 117 |

## Head-to-head record

Up to matches played on 15 November 2024.
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | WPCT |
| American Samoa | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 39 | 1 | +38 | 100.00 |
| Australia | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 7 | −7 | 0.00 |
| Brunei | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | −1 | 0.00 |
| Cook Islands | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | +7 | 100.00 |
| Estonia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | −1 | 0.00 |
| Fiji | 37 | 11 | 7 | 19 | 41 | 83 | −42 | 29.73 |
| Guam | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 | +14 | 100.00 |
| Guinea | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | −6 | 0.00 |
| India | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | −1 | 0.00 |
| Indonesia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | −6 | 0.00 |
| Kiribati | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 0 | +18 | 100.00 |
| Lebanon | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | −2 | 0.00 |
| Mongolia | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 100.00 |
| New Caledonia | 40 | 8 | 7 | 25 | 45 | 101 | −56 | 20.00 |
| New Zealand | 15 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 11 | 73 | −62 | 6.67 |
| Papua New Guinea | 23 | 9 | 5 | 9 | 33 | 29 | +4 | 39.13 |
| Samoa | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 40 | 2 | +38 | 100.00 |
| Solomon Islands | 36 | 7 | 7 | 22 | 38 | 78 | −40 | 19.44 |
| Tahiti | 26 | 5 | 3 | 18 | 28 | 64 | −36 | 19.23 |
| Tonga | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 2 | +31 | 100.00 |
| Tuvalu | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 1 | +21 | 100.00 |
| Wallis and Futuna | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 1 | +9 | 100.00 |
| Total | 214 | 68 | 29 | 117 | 384 | 463 | −79 | 31.78 |
* ↑ Includes results as Western Samoa.

## Honours
### Major competitions

* OFC Nations Cup
** Runners-up (1): 2024

### Regional

* Pacific Games
** Silver medal (1): 1971
** Bronze medal (3): 1966, 2003, 2007
* Melanesia Cup
** Champions (1): 1990
** Runners-up (1): 1998
** Third place (3): 1988, 2000, 2023
* Wantok Cup
** Runners-up (1): 2008

## Historical kits

| 1987 Home | 1992 Home | 1992 Away | 1999 | 2000 Home | 2002 Home | 2004 Home | 2004 Away |
| 2007 | 2009 | 2011 Home | 2011 Away | 2012 Home | 2012 Away | 2016 Home | 2017 Home |
| 2017 Away | 2017 | 2019 Home | 2022 Home | 2022 Away | 2024 Home | 2024 Away |
Sources: