Football Australia is proud to announce that the CommBank Joeys will return to the Pacific in January 2026, taking on the U-19 national teams of Fiji and Solomon Islands in a three-match international series supported by the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports.
The three-match tour will kick off on Friday, 17 January in Lautoka, Fiji, where the Joeys will meet Fiji at Churchill Park. The squad will then travel to Honiara, Solomon Islands, for two further fixtures against the Solomon Islands on Monday, 20 January and Friday, 24 January at National Stadium.
The tour follows the CommBank Joeys’ successful 2024 visit to the Pacific, which saw competitive and well-attended matches in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, contributing to deeper football development and strengthened ties across the region.
PacificAus Sports Football Tour 2026 is the latest initiative connecting Australia and the Pacific through football, marking the fifth tour or tournament between Australian and Pacific national teams since 2024.
The matches will provide key preparation for Carl Veart’s side ahead of May’s AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, while Fiji and the Solomon Islands will use the fixtures to build towards the 2026 OFC U19 Championship.
Quotes attributable to Football Australia Interim CEO Heather Garriock:
“We are delighted to be taking the CommBank Joeys back to the Pacific in 2026. These matches create invaluable experiences for young players while strengthening the football partnerships that bind our countries together.
“Through the support of the Australian Government and PacificAus Sports, we are helping build pathways, deepen connections, and contribute to the long-term growth of the game across the region.
“Football Australia appreciates the support of the Australian Government, through PacificAus Sports, which has made the tour possible.”
Quote attributable to Australia’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Peter Roberts:
“Football unites people. We’re proud to support this tour through PacificAus Sports – creating opportunities for young players, building friendships, and strengthening ties across the Pacific.”
Quote attributable to Australia’s Acting High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Andrew Schloeffel:
“Solomon Islanders and Australians share a love of sport – that’s why support for elite athletes is a key part of the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership. PacificAus Sports is giving the next generation of Solomon Islands footballers a chance to shine on the world stage.”
Further details regarding the squad selection, ticketing information, broadcast arrangements and community engagement activities will be shared ahead of the tour.
PacificAus Sports is an Australian Government sports diplomacy initiative developing pathways for Pacific teams and athletes to compete in elite competitions and access high performance coaching in Australia and internationally. The program partners with Australian national sports organisations to support a range of Pacific sports, with funding split evenly between women and men.
MATCH SCHEDULE – PACIFICAUS SPORTS FOOTBALL TOUR 2026
Match One
Date: Saturday 17 January 2026
Kick-off: TBC
Teams: Fiji U-19 v CommBank Joeys
Venue: Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji
Match Two
Date: Tuesday 20 January 2026
Kick-off: TBC
Teams: Solomon Islands U-19 v CommBank Joeys
Venue: National Stadium, Honiara, Solomon Islands
Match Three
Date: Saturday, 24 January 2026
Kick-off: TBC
Teams: Solomon Islands U-19 v CommBank Joeys
Venue: National Stadium, Honiara, Solomon Islands
