The Ford Football Ferns take their first step towards qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup tomorrow at 3pm NZT against Samoa in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Aotearoa New Zealand kicks off proceedings in OFC’s Group A, where they’ll also play hosts Solomon Islands on 2 March (KO 7pm NZT), and American Samoa on 5 March (KO 3pm NZT).

All games will be played at the National Stadium in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Ford Football Ferns coach Michael Mayne says the team is acclimatising quickly to life in Honiara.

“The first couple of days have been really good. The facilities and everything here are looking great for the way we want to play and I think probably the difference at the moment is I'm really lucky to have a squad that's based all around the world in different clubs, different environments, playing different levels.

“To be able to sort of draw some of that experience into the team but also have some really exciting players coming into our squad for this one is a real positive, I think, for the team.

“It's been tricky. It is a little bit different getting all the players in. I was having a bit of a laugh yesterday at lunch that it was a matchday minus two and I had no players in the hotel yet. So, it's going to be a quick turnaround. But, what we can leverage in the team is we've got players in a lot of good leagues and good clubs around the world wanting to come here and do a good job.”

Michael Mayne says despite Aotearoa New Zealand’s traditional dominance in OFC tournaments his players won’t be taking this qualifying campaign lightly, praising the ever-improving level of football within Oceania.

“I think we spoke about it as a team last night in our opening meeting, we know what's at the end of this series. I think it's good that we still feel pressure coming into these games. That's the way it should be.

“I know these other three coaches and the other three teams are going to be all chasing the same dream. I think in terms of the women's game in the Pacific, I mentioned this at the Olympic qualifiers. I've been around the age group. I've been to a number of these tournaments. I can see the gap closing.

“Probably what you've got sitting up at this table is probably a different profile in coaches across the teams. I know every single one of these teams that we play over the next 10 days will be well set up, well organised. There's some good football brains on this table. That's exciting for us, and we're used to tough challenges. We've got a way we want to come into this tournament and perform. Again, there's no point worrying about the final or anything. We've got to get through the next week first. That's a good place to be, I think, mentally for the group.”

The Ford Football Ferns coach says he was last in Honiara 22 years ago as a player and that the facilities in the Solomon Islands have come a long way.

“I'm really impressed with the facilities here and the way we've been looked after in the Solomon Islands. You've done an excellent job of setting things up.

“We're a team that have, like I said, players all around the world that have access to some amazing facilities. To come here and see the facility you've got here will be, for our players, I think they'll be extremely happy with what they see come Friday. I think it allows us to come in and play the way we want to play very quickly.

“There's nothing but praise for everything you've put on here and, yeah, it's a beautiful, beautiful facility and the people in the country have been great so far.”

Those words echoed by Ford Football Ferns midfielder Katie Kitching who has travelled from Sunderland, where she plays in England’s Super League 2.

“It's a beautiful country, hot weather, which I'm getting used to… I’m really grateful to be here, and the facilities are great and I can't wait to get started and get the games going.

“We had our first opening meeting last night, and the vibes were really good. Everyone's really excited to get going. It feels like a fresh us, new year, ready to get going.”

Following this second round qualification phase, the top two sides in Group A will then take on the top two from Group B, played in Fiji, in the Semi-Final and Final of the Oceania Qualifiers, played in Aotearoa New Zealand, to secure a place in Brazil for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.

The two Semi-Finals will be played in Kirikiriroa Hamilton on Sunday 12 April, kicking off at 12pm and 4pm, at FMG Stadium Waikato.

The Final will be played in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on Wednesday 15 April, kicking off at 7pm, at North Harbour Stadium.

The Ford Football Ferns 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification matches will be available live and free on FIFA+.

Article added: Thursday 26 February 2026